Jason-2 satellite to measure topography of the oceans surface?

It will study and map the surface of the oceans from space.

LINK

So we've teemed up with France to launch a satellite into space to map the surface of the oceans? It's liquid, it's in constant motion, the surface features change constantly. I really doubt they'd pour all that money into a satellite just for that. They claim that this will help monitor changes in sea level and collect data that can be used to help predict climate change. I'm somewhat skeptical about the purpose of the satellite. It may do what they claim, but if even if it does, I doubt that's all that it does, or that it is it's true purpose.

EDITED to fix link.

[edit on 6/23/2008 by PsychoHazard]

Here's some additional info on the Jason-2 satellite:

NASA Jason 2 Satellite Launches, Monitors Global Climate Changes

NASA Launches Satellite To Monitor Oceans

NASA Launches Ocean Satellite To Keep A Weather, Climate Eye Open

French-US Jason 2 satellite blasts off: NASA

The news outlets appear to at least think it's legit, but I still have my doubts. Why float a sattelite just for a glorified microwave radar? If that's all they needed, couldn't they just mount one on the International Space Station? I think Jason-2 is much more than they're letting on, after all, what better way to hide than in plain sight? I could be wrong, but I think I'll be keeping an eye on it for the time being.