Key ocean mission goes into orbit

[Matt Rogers]

*

Key ocean mission goes into orbit
By Jonathan Amos
Science reporter, BBC News



The satellite launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

A space mission that will be critical to our understanding of climate change has launched from California.

The Jason-2 satellite will become the primary means of measuring the shape of the world's oceans, taking readings with an accuracy of better than 4cm.

Its data will track not only sea level rise but reveal how the great mass of waters are moving around the globe.

This information will be fundamental in helping weather and climate agencies make better forecasts.

The satellite left Earth at 0746 GMT atop a Delta-2 rocket from the Vandenberg Air Force Base.

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Key ocean mission goes into orbit

[ReefSparky]

Ain't technology great?

[Daniel072]

matt, you have way too much time on your hands.

[Matt Rogers]

Originally Posted by Daniel072

matt, you have way too much time on your hands.

You don't know me very well.

And would think somebody here would like ocean news.

[IndianOutlaw]

that is great!.. whenever i look at the forecast it a lot of times ends up being wrong

[Daniel072]

Originally Posted by Matt Rogers

You don't know me very well.

And would think somebody here would like ocean news.

I'm really glad you have the patience to sift through all of the crappy war stories to find these cool ones. I actually read it.