Space-borne radar altimeters can measure a majority of the global sea surface height within an accuracy of few centimeters, but there are various errors in altimetry measurements, so absolute calibration activities are necessary. Ground laser stationshave rangeaccuracies of better than 1cm, so can be combined with the space-borne laser reflector array (LRA)included in independent calibration. Ageneral model for laser calibration for space-borne altimeter is deduced, one not previously presented in the relevant publications. Afterwards, simulations and error analysis were executed based on the model, and the calibration precision was estimated quantitatively. In particular, the Grasse laser observations (actual laser echoes from the Jason-2 satellite LRA) in the vicinity of the Corsica calibration site were analyzed, the results were promising. Finally, the contributions of the laser station in the calibration site are summarized, and the benefits of simultaneouslyoperating laser station and GNSS buoy configuration are discussed. The constructionand performance assessment of China's forthcoming satellite altimeter calibration site will benefit from the study detailed.
