This review paper reports on the state-of-the-art concerning observations of surface winds, waves, and currents from space and their use for scientific research and subsequent applications. The development of observations of sea state parameters from space dates back to the 1970s, with a significant increase in the number and diversity of space missions since the 1990s. Sensors used to monitor the sea-state parameters from space are mainly based on microwave techniques. They are either specifically designed to monitor surface parameters or are used for their abilities to provide opportunistic measurements complementary to their primary purpose. The principles on which is based on the estimation of the sea surface parameters are first described, including the performance and limitations of each method. Numerous examples and references on the use of these observations for scientific and operational applications are then given. The richness and diversity of these applications are linked to the importance of knowledge of the sea state in many fields. Firstly, surface wind, waves, and currents are significant factors influencing exchanges at the air/sea interface, impacting oceanic and atmospheric boundary layers, contributing to sea level rise at the coasts, and interacting with the sea-ice formation or destruction in the polar zones. Secondly, ocean surface currents combined with wind- and wave- induced drift contribute to the transport of heat, salt, and pollutants. Waves and surface currents also impact sediment transport and erosion in coastal areas. For operational applications, observations of surface parameters are necessary on the one hand to constrain the numerical solutions of predictive models (numerical wave, oceanic, or atmospheric models), and on the other hand to validate their results. In turn, these predictive models are used to guarantee safe, efficient, and successful offshore operations, including the commercial shipping and energy sector, as well as tourism and coastal activities. Long-time series of global sea-state observations are also becoming increasingly important to analyze the impact of climate change on our environment. All these aspects are recalled in the article, relating to both historical and contemporary activities in these fields.

这篇评论文章报告了有关从太空观测地表风、波浪和水流的最新技术，以及它们在科学研究和后续应用中的用途。太空海况参数观测的发展可以追溯到 1970 年代，自 1990 年代以来太空任务的数量和多样性显着增加。用于从太空监测海况参数的传感器主要基于微波技术。它们要么专门设计用于监测表面参数，要么用于提供与其主要目的互补的机会测量的能力。首先描述了基于海面参数估计的原理，包括每种方法的性能和局限性。然后给出了关于将这些观测用于科学和业务应用的大量示例和参考。这些应用的丰富性和多样性与许多领域的海况知识的重要性有关。首先，表面风、波浪和洋流是影响海空界面交换的重要因素，影响海洋和大气边界层，导致沿海海平面上升，并与极地海冰形成或破坏相互作用区。其次，海洋表面洋流与风和波浪引起的漂移相结合，有助于热量、盐分和污染物的输送。波浪和表面水流也会影响沿海地区的沉积物运输和侵蚀。对于运营应用，表面参数的观测一方面对于约束预测模型（数值波、海洋或大气模型）的数值解是必要的，另一方面对于验证它们的结果是必要的。反过来，这些预测模型用于保证安全、高效和成功的海上作业，包括商业航运和能源部门，以及旅游和沿海活动。长期系列的全球海况观测对于分析气候变化对我们环境的影响也变得越来越重要。文章回顾了所有这些方面，涉及这些领域的历史和当代活动。反过来，这些预测模型用于保证安全、高效和成功的海上作业，包括商业航运和能源部门，以及旅游和沿海活动。长期系列的全球海况观测对于分析气候变化对我们环境的影响也变得越来越重要。文章回顾了所有这些方面，涉及这些领域的历史和当代活动。反过来，这些预测模型用于保证安全、高效和成功的海上作业，包括商业航运和能源部门，以及旅游和沿海活动。长期系列的全球海况观测对于分析气候变化对我们环境的影响也变得越来越重要。文章回顾了所有这些方面，涉及这些领域的历史和当代活动。