OSTM
Full Name: Ocean Surface Topography Mission
Phase: Operating
Launch Date: June 20, 2008
Mission Project Home Page: http://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/ostm.html
Program(s): Earth Systematic Missions
The Ocean Surface Topography Mission (OSTM) is a joint effort by four organizations to measure sea surface height by using a radar altimeter mounted on a low-Earth orbiting satellite called Jason-2. The four mission participants are:
* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
* National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
* France’s Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES)
* European Meteorological Satellite Organisation (EUMETSAT)
This satellite altimetry mission provides sea surface heights for determining ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise. The Jason-2 satellite is the follow-on to the TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason-1 satellites. The research satellites, TOPEX/POSEIDON and Jason-1, have been instrumental in meeting NOAA’s operational need for sea surface height measurements necessary for ocean modeling, forecasting El Niño/La Niña events, and hurricane intensity prediction.
Under the OSTM program NOAA will provide support from its satellite ground segment capabilities for management of the Jason-2 Satellite flight operations during its routine operational phases and to acquire, produce, and distribute geophysical data in a manner beneficial to all interested users.