Topex/Poseidon

TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P) mission was launched on the 10th of August 1992 and was the result of a NASA-CNES collaboration. The mission objectives were focused on the improvements in sea surface topography description, and the enhancement of climate forecasting performances. T/P has operated for over 13 years (until January 2006), delivering data with an accuracy of 4.2 cm. The satellite flew on a near-circular, non- Sun-Syncronous orbit with altitude of 1336 km, coverage of +- 66°, and a repeating period of 9.9156 days. In September 2002 T/Ps orbit was shifted midway between the previous tracks. This operation allowed a cross-calibration with NASAs Jason-1 satellite, which replaced T/P in on its same former orbit.

Topex/Poseidon (Credit: NASA/JPL)

AgencyNASA, CNES
Launch date1992-08-10
EOL date2006-01-18
Mass500

Orbit elements

Topex
Repeat cycle9.9156 days
Semi major axis7714427.8 m
Eccentricity0.000095
Inclination66.04 °
Start of phase1992-09-25
End of phase2002-08-15
Revolutions127
Mean Height1336 km
List of cyclesLink
Topex (Extended Mission)
Repeat cycle9.9156 days
Semi major axis7714427.8 m
Eccentricity0.000095
Inclination66.04 °
Start of phase2002-09-16
End of phase2005-10-08
Revolutions127
Mean Height1336 km
List of cyclesLink

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