History And Background
Successor To Previous Oceanographic Missions
Part Of A Global Oceanographic Effort
TOPEX/Poseidon Is A Joint Effort
TOPEX/Poseidon's Contribution
Mission Description
Science Objectives and Goals
Systems
Launch Vehicle System
Ariane 42P Launch Vehicle
Launch of TOPEX/Poseidon
Spacecraft Systems
Ground Systems
Mission Phases
Spacecraft
Anatomy of TOPEX/Poseidon
Nadir Side of the Spacecraft
Zenith Side of the Spacecraft
Port Side of the Spacecraft
Starboard Side of the Spacecraft
Bow End of the Spacecraft
Stern End of the Spacecraft
Multimission Modular Spacecraft
Instrument Module
Global Positioning System Antenna
High Gain Antenna
Zenith Omni Antenna
DORIS Antenna
Nadir Omni Antenna
Altimeter Antenna
Laser Retroreflector Array
Solar Array
Course Sun Sensors
Thermal Louvers
Earth Sensor Assembly Module
Signal Conditioning and Control Unit
Microwave Radiometer
Command and Data Handling Module
On-board Computer
Tape Recorders
Power Module
Batteries
Attitude Control Module
Reaction Wheels
Star Trackers
Digital Fine Sun Sensor
Propulsion Module
Rocket Engine Modules
TOPEX/Poseidon Vital Statistics
Satellite Health
Component Failures and Anomalies
How The Measurement System Works
Measurement Process
Locating TOPEX/Poseidon in Space
Mission Operations
Mission Planning And Sequencing
Navigation
Precision Orbit Determination
Altimeter Verification
Satellite Performance Analysis
Flight Control
Science Data Processing
What We've Learned
El Nino
Global Climate
Eddies
Tides
Global Ocean Circulation
Science Data
Data Flow
Data Products
Dynamic Ocean Topography
Sea-Surface Variability
Significant Wave Height
Wind Speed
Precipitable Water Vapor
Total Electron Content
Outreach