News
[Jason-2] : Data production resumed - first products available
On 20 June 2017, the 4-Partner Joint Steering Group directed the Jason-2 Project to undertake a series of maneuvers to reduce the orbit semi-major axis by 27 km. This has placed Jason-2 into a new long-repeat orbit (LRO) at roughly 1309.5 km altitude. Final orbit transfer activities were completed on 10 July 2017. At 09:16 UTC on Tuesday, 11 July, CNES control centre successfully commanded the restart of the core Jason-2 payload instruments.
On 20 June 2017, the 4-Partner Joint Steering Group directed the Jason-2 Project to undertake a series of maneuvers to reduce the orbit semi-major axis by 27 km. This has placed Jason-2 into a new long-repeat orbit (LRO) at roughly 1309.5 km altitude. Final orbit transfer activities were completed on 10 July 2017. At 09:16 UTC on Tuesday, 11 July, CNES control centre successfully commanded the restart of the core Jason-2 payload instruments.
Before authorizing data dissemination, we have performed a lot of controls, calval analysis and cross-calibrations in order to guarantee the quality of the products. Meanwhile, this period has been useful to prepare a detailed technical note about the characteristics of the new orbit and impacts on new products. Please find attached the note prepared by MSE’s. As was the case with Jason-1, science cycle numbering for the new LRO mission phase on Jason-2 will begin at Cycle 500.
Today, we recover the OSTM/Jason-2 mission from the extended safe hold it has been in since 17 May 2017 and we are pleased to announce that Jason-2 OGDR and IGDR are available for dissemination. First OGDR is for pass 031 of cycle 500. First IGDR is for pass 033 of cycle 500. They are available through the usual facilities.
We hope to keep Jason-2 operational for a long time,
Best regards,
T. Guinle on behalf the whole Jason-2 Project Team
PS : The move of Jason-2 from the altimetry reference orbit was a difficult decision to take, but it also signals the start of an exciting new chapter in the extraordinary mission of Jason-2, as it begins its 10th year of operation.