[Satellite Today – 5-2-08] The Jason-2 satellite has left the integration center in France and is being shipped to its California launch site, Thales Alenia Space announced April 30.
    Designed to study the Earth’s oceans and climate, Jason-2 will take over from Jason-1, which has been in orbit for seven years. Jason-2 will provide an opportunity for the launch of new services, including maritime forecasts for ships, and coupling of this data with weather forecasts.
    The oceanographic mission is a collaboration between the French space agency, CNES, NASA and meteorological organizations Eumetsat and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
    The satellite is scheduled for a June 15 launch from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. aboard a Delta 2 rocket.