TOPEX/Poseidon over Earth

Our planet is changing. Our ocean is rising. And it affects us all. That’s why a new international satellite will continue the decades-long watch over our global ocean and help us better understand...

Jason-1 Line Drawing

The joint U.S.-European Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich is the next in a line of Earth-observing satellites that will collect the most accurate data yet on sea level and how it changes over time. With ...

The SpaceX Falcon 9 with the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite is lifted to vertical at Space Launch Complex 4

Ocean Dynamic Topography

Jason-1 launch images

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite is lifted to vertical at Space Launch Complex 4

Jason-1 atop the Delta II Photo: Tom Shain

Jason-3 Animation

Jason-3 Satellite Prepared For Launch

Launch preparations are progressing! (11/21/01) Photos: Stacy Mitchell of John Hopkins APL/TIMED project

Spacecraft processing

Jason-1 readies for launch in its bay at Vandenberg, AFB (10/31/01)

The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite sits in front of a testing chamber where mission team members tested whether the spacecraft could endure the loud sounds it will encounter during launch.

OSTM/Jason-2 Radiometer Antenna

Mike Davis in front of the faring

TOPEX/Poseidon Altimeter

The Antonov cargo aircraft carrying the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite touches down on the runway at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Sept. 24, 2020. 

The Antonov cargo aircraft carrying the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite touches down on the runway at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Sept. 24, 2020.

Jason-1 Launch Configuration

Jason-3 Ready for Launch

TOPEX/Poseidon LRA

OSTM/Jason-2 Spacecraft

Jason-1 TRSR

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 4 at Vandenberg Air Force Base carrying the Jason-3 spacecraft. Liftoff was at 10:42 a.m. PST (1:42 p.m. EST).