gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-xGDR eng utf8 series NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NOAA Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information custodian 2026-04-21T19:31:06Z ISO 19115-2 Geographic Information - Metadata - Part 2: Extensions for Imagery and Gridded Data ISO 19115-2:2009(E) Jason-3 Level-2 Operational, Interim and Final Geophysical Data Records (X-GDR), 2016 to present 2020-04-27 publication 2014-10-10 creation NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-xGDR NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NCEI Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information publisher John Lillibridge NOAA Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) John.Lillibridge@noaa.gov https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) website Institution web page information resourceProvider NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information resourceProvider NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information author NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information author Yongsheng Zhang NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) pointOfContact NOAA Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) website Institution web page information contributor European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) https://www.eumetsat.int/ HTTPS European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) website Institution web page information contributor National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) http://cnes.fr/ HTTP National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) website Institution web page information contributor US National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) contributor tableDigital This collection contains Jason-3 Level-2 Operational, Interim and Final Geophysical Data Records (X-GDR) data. The level-2 X-GDR are available as 3 datatypes: Operational Geophysical Data Records (OGDR), Interim Geophysical Data Records (IGDR) and final Geophysical Data Records (GDR). The OGDRs are near-real-time records and are generated every 3-5 hours. They are based on orbits from DORIS propagator and forecast meteorological fields for the geophysical corrections. The IGDRs are based on preliminary DORIS ephemeris, analyzed meteorological grids, and preliminary auxiliary data files. The IGDRs have a latency of 1 - 2 days. The S-IGDR is a superset of the IGDR, containing the original radar echo "waveform" data. The GDRs are based on final high-precision DORIS (perhaps combined with GPS) ephemeris, final meteorological grids, ancillary and auxiliary data files. The S-GDR is a superset of the GDR, containing the waveform data. The S-GDRs are generated every 10 days. Sea Surface Height Anomaly (SSHA) files are available for IGDR and GDR. All files are available in NetCDF format and the OGDRs are also available in BUFR format. To ensure operational continuity for the collection and distribution of high-resolution data on ocean currents and their variations, as well as sea surface height measurements. High-precision ocean altimetry measures the distance between a satellite and the ocean surface to within a few centimeters. Accurate observations of variations in sea surface height (ocean topography) provide scientists with information about the speed and direction of ocean currents and heat stored in the ocean. This information, in turn, reveals global climate variations. Jason-3 is a collaboration between NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), CNES, and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). onGoing historicalArchive NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NCEI Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information pointOfContact daily https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/metadata/landing-page/bin/gfx?id=gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-xGDR Preview graphic PNG 0122595 NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 2015-04-01 publication ALTIMETRY - SEA SURFACE HEIGHT SEA HEIGHT SEA SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY WAVE DATA WAVE DIRECTION WAVE HEIGHT WAVE HEIGHT - SIGNIFICANT WIND SPEED theme NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS AMR DORIS LRA Poseidon-3B instrument NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS continuous derived products meteorological physical satellite data surface measurements theme NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS Jason-3 platform NODC PLATFORM NAMES THESAURUS European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites National Centre for Space Studies NOAA Center for Satellite Applications and Research US National Aeronautic and Space Administration dataCentre NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution dataCentre NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS World-Wide Distribution place NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS oceanography satelliteObservation theme WMO_CategoryCode 2012-09-15 publication DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/OSPO > Office of Satellite and Product Operations, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/STAR > Center for Satellite Applications and Research, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce EUMETSAT > European Meteorological Satellite Organisation dataCentre Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords 2026 revision 23 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian EARTH SCIENCE > ATMOSPHERE > ATMOSPHERIC WINDS > SURFACE WINDS > WIND SPEED EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN WAVES EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN WAVES > SIGNIFICANT WAVE HEIGHT EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN WAVES > WAVE HEIGHT EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN WAVES > WAVE SPEED/DIRECTION EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > SEA SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > SEA SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY > SEA SURFACE HEIGHT EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > SEA SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY > SEA SURFACE HEIGHT > SEA SURFACE HEIGHT ANOMALY (SSHA) Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Bathymetry Earth Science > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Sea Surface Height Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Winds > Surface Winds theme Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords 2026 revision 23 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian altimetry climate change sea level theme None AMR > Advanced Microwave Radiometer AMR-2 > Advanced Microwave Radiometer-2 DORIS > Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite GPSP > Global Positioning System Payload LRA > Laser Retroreflector Array POSEIDON-3B > Poseidon-3B Altimeter instrument Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords 2026 revision 23 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian GEOGRAPHIC REGION > GLOBAL OCEAN place Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords 2026 revision 23 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian 2 km dataResolution Spatial Resolution Vertical Location > Sea Surface stratum Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Stratum Keywords 2026 revision 23 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian Level 2 product Processing Level accessLevel: Public otherRestrictions Cite as: NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations; NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (2020). Jason-3 Level-2 Operational, Interim and Final Geophysical Data Records (X-GDR), 2016 to present. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-xGDR. Accessed [date]. Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives. otherRestrictions Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose. All GDR files are planned to be made publicly accessible, except for the files generated during the mission’s initial pre-operational phase and during the expected 8-month Gavdos-Crete Laboratory of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) facility assessment period. This period is expected to begin 1 month after launch but varies based on datatype. For OGDR, OGDR-BUFR and OGDR-SSHA, Cal/Val assessment data is expected to begin 1 month after launch, with Cal/Val assessment IGDR, S-IGDR, and IGDR-SSHA data expected shortly thereafter. Cal/Val assessment of GDR, S-GDR, and GDR-SSHA data is then expected to begin roughly 6 months after launch. NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations; NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (2020). Jason-3 Ancillary Files, 2015-present. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Ancillary. 2020-04-27 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-Ancillary https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Ancillary HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Ancillary Related Jason-3 Data information NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information author NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference collection NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations; NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (2020). Jason-3 Auxiliary Files, 2015-present. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Auxiliary. 2020-04-27 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-Auxiliary https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Auxiliary HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Auxiliary Related Jason-3 Data information NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information author NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference collection NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations; NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (2020). Jason-3 Near Real-Time Altimetry Validation System (NRTAVS) QA Reports, 2015 - present. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-NRTAVS. 2020-04-27 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-NRTAVS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-NRTAVS HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-NRTAVS Related Jason-3 Data information NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information author NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference collection NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations; NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (2020). Jason-3: Orbital Information, 2015-present. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-OrbitInfo. 2020-04-27 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-OrbitInfo https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-OrbitInfo HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-OrbitInfo Related Jason-3 Data information NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information author NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference collection NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations; NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (2020). Jason-3 Telemetry data, 2015-present. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Telemetry. 2020-04-27 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-Telemetry https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Telemetry HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Telemetry Related Jason-3 Data information NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information author NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference collection NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations; NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (2020). OSTM/Jason-2 and Jason-3 Documentation and Data Documentation Records, 2008 to present. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/OSTM-Jason2-3-Docs. 2020-04-27 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:OSTM-Jason2-3-Docs https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/OSTM-Jason2-3-Docs HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/OSTM-Jason2-3-Docs Handbooks and other documentation information NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information author NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference program eng; USA utf8 environment oceans geoscientificInformation climatologyMeteorologyAtmosphere -180 180 -66 66 2015-04-01 Jason-3 is the fourth mission in U.S.-European Joint Altimetry Satellite Oceanography Network series of satellite missions that measure the height of the ocean surface. The mission will extend the time series of ocean surface topography measurements begun by the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite mission in 1992 and continuing through the JASON-1 and OSTM/Jason-2 missions. These measurements provide scientists with critical information about circulation patterns in the ocean and about both global and regional changes in sea level and the climate implications of a warming world. TOPEX/Poseidon and JASON-1 were cooperative missions between NASA and the French space agency, CNES. Additional partners in the OSTM/Jason-2 mission included NOAA and EUMETSAT. Jason-3 continues the international cooperation, with NOAA and Eumetsat leading the efforts, along with partners NASA and CNES. The primary instrument on Jason-3 is a radar altimeter. The altimeter measures sea-level variations over the global ocean with very high accuracy (as 1.3 inches or 3.3 centimeters, with a goal of achieving 1 inch or 2.5 centimeters). The Jason-3 satellite was launched on 17 January 2016 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 launcher, and was placed into the same orbit as OSTM/Jason-2, at an altitude of 1,336 kilometers with an inclination of 66 degrees, to provide virtually blanket coverage of all ice-free ocean surfaces. The satellite went operational on 14 October 2016. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information +1-301-713-3277 ncei.info@noaa.gov pointOfContact In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media. Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions. netCDF netCDF-3 CF-1.1, 20091001 BUFR 20091001 0.112 ftp://ftp-oceans.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data.nodc/jason3/ FTP Any FTP client FTP These data are available through the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). FTP is no longer supported by most internet browsers. You may copy and paste the FTP link to the data into an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla or WinSCP). download https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/oceans/jason3/ HTTPS Web browser HTTPS Navigate directly to the URL for data access and direct download. download https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/thredds-ocean/catalog/jason3/catalog.html THREDDS Web browsers can browse THREDDS Data Servers and specialized THREDDS software can enable more sophisticated data access and visualizations. THREDDS These data are available through a variety of services via a THREDDS (Thematic Real-time Environmental Distributed Data Services) Data Server (TDS). Depending on the dataset, the TDS can provide WMS, WCS, DAP, HTTP, and other data access and metadata services as well. For more information on the TDS, see http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/software/thredds/current/tds/. download https://www.class.noaa.gov/saa/products/search?sub_id=0&datatype_family=JASON-XGDR HTTP Web browser Order These data are available through NOAA's Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS). Use the CLASS web interface to search for and order data by temporal, spatial and and other product-specific criteria. You may also create a subscription to order data on a regular basis. order https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-xGDR HTTPS Web browser NCEI Dataset Landing Page Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links. information series NCEI Accession 0122595 v1.1 was published. 2020-04-27T22:39:18Z asNeeded Metadata are developed, maintained and distributed by NCEI. Updates are performed as needed to maintain currentness. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information custodian AMR AMR Advanced Microwave Radiometer The AMR is a passive receiver onboard Jason-2 (French-U.S. satellite launched in 2008) that collects radiation reflected by the oceans at frequencies of 18.7, 23.8, and 34 GHz. The AMR measures water vapor content in the atmosphere so that we can determine how it impacts radar signal propagation. Its measurements can also be used directly for studying other atmospheric phenomena, particularly rain. Jason-2 data are being archived by the NODC as part of the Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS) DORIS DORIS Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated from Space The DORIS system uses a ground network of orbitography beacons spread around the globe, which send signals at two frequencies to a receiver on the satellite. The relative motion of the satellite generates a shift in the signal's frequency (called the Doppler shift) that is measured to derive the satellite's velocity. These data are then assimilated in orbit determination models to keep permanent track of the satellite's precise position (to within three centimetres) on its orbit. Jason-2 is a French-U.S. satellite launched in 2008 designed to measure rising sea levels and track the effects of climate change. Jason-2 data are being archived by the NODC as part of the Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS). LRA LRA Laser Retroreflector Array The LRA is a totally passive reflector designed to reflect laser pulses back to their point of origin on Earth. It is used for calibrating the satellite's Precise Orbit Determination system. Jason-2 is a French-U.S. satellite launched in 2008 designed to measure rising sea levels and track the effects of climate change. Jason-2 data are being archived by the NODC as part of the Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS). Poseidon-3B Poseidon-3B Poseidon-3B altimeter The Poseidon-3B, supplied by CNES, is the [Jason-3] mission's main instrument, derived from the altimeters on Jason-1 and then Jason-2. It allows to measure the range (the distance from the satellite to the Earth's surface), wave height and wind speed.It This new altimeter implements a mixed mode allowing on-board automatic transitions between the Diode/DEM mode and the acquisition/tracking mode with respect to the satellite position. Indeed, Jason-2 uses the two altimeter modes, the "autonomous tracking" and the Diode/DEM modes, to improve measurements over coastal areas, inland waters and ice. But these modes have the disadvantage to be exclusive. https://www.aviso.altimetry.fr/en/missions/current-missions/jason-3/instruments.html Jason-3 Description: Altimetry satellite; follow-on of the TOPEX-Poseidon satellite and Jason-1 and Jason-2 satellite missions Country *: FR FRA 250 ISO 3166-2:FR (NODC ATDB=79) Platform Class *: 65-Orbiting satellite Operations/Responsible organization: Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) Previous Name: N/A Commissioned Date: (2015-03) Current Length (m): Height: app. 4 meters Notes +: Jason-3 is the fourth mission in U.S.-European series of satellite missions that measure the height of the ocean surface. Scheduled to launch in 2015, the mission will extend the time series of ocean surface topography measurements (the hills and valleys of the ocean surface) begun by the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite mission in 1992 and continuing through the currently operating Jason-1 (launched in 2001) and OSTM/Jason-2 (launched in 2008) missions. These measurements provide scientists with critical information about circulation patterns in the ocean and about both global and regional changes in sea level and the climate implications of a warming world. The primary instrument on Jason-3 is a radar altimeter. The altimeter will measure sea-level variations over the global ocean with very high accuracy (as 1.3 inches or 3.3 centimeters, with a goal of achieving 1 inch or 2.5 centimeters). Continual, long-term, reliable data of changes in ocean surface topography will be generated and will be used by scientists and operational agencies (NOAA, European weather agencies, marine operators, etc.) for scientific research and operational oceanography for the benefit of society. TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason-1 were cooperative missions between NASA and the French space agency, CNES. Additional partners in the Jason-2 mission included NOAA and Eumetsat. Jason-3 continues the international cooperation, with NOAA and Eumetsat leading the efforts, along with partners NASA and CNES. Info Source: https://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/jason3/ http://smsc.cnes.fr/JASON3/GP_satellite.htm The Jason-3 satellite was launched on 17 January 2016 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 launcher, and was placed into the same orbit as OSTM/Jason-2, at an altitude of 1,336 kilometers with an inclination of 66 degrees, to provide virtually blanket coverage of all ice-free ocean surfaces. The satellite went operational on 14 October 2016.