|  Jason-1 is the first follow-on to the highly successful TOPEX/Poseidon mission that measured ocean surface topography to an accuracy of 4.2 cm, enabled scientists to forecast the 1997-1998 El Niño, and improved understanding of ocean circulation and its effect of global climate. The joint NASA-CNES program will launch a French spacecraft on an American Delta II from an American base. Like TOPEX/Poseidon, the payload will include both American and French instruments. Jason-1 altimeter data will be part of a suite of data provided by other JPL-managed ocean missions--the GRACE mission will use two satellites to accurately measure Earth's mass distribution, and the QuikSCAT scatterometer mission will measure ocean-surface winds.
What's New  Jason-1 arrives at Vandenberg Air Force Base (07/31/01)
Jason-1 was flown from Nice, France to Vandenberg AFB on an Antonov-124 cargo plane. After being transported to a clean room at Spaceport Systems International, located on the base, the French and U.S. project members will complete their final adjustments and tests. The spacecraft will then be fueled and turned over to the Boeing Company in preparation for launch.
Go to the Jason-1 launch page for more images.
Mission Objectives
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