US: NASA is collaborating with the European Space Agency (ESA) to launch an ocean-monitoring satellite. Known as Jason-3, the satellite is on track to be launched into space on January 17. The satellite is scheduled to lift off at 1:42 p.m. Eastern time from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California aboard a SpaceX-built Falcon 9 rocket. The launch of the satellite and other countdown related commentary will be aired on NASA’s own television channel from 11 a.m. Jason-3 is the latest in a series of international satellites that measure ocean surface height. This will help forecasters predict hurricanes and other severe weather and help track sea level rises that threaten coastal communities.
Source: Examiner
