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TOPEX/Poseidon: Perspectives on an Ocean Planet

- Ground Systems

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grndsys

Mission operations for TOPEX/Poseidon are supported by five ground systems and numerous subsystems that track, maintain and command the spacecraft and sensors, as well as gather, process, verify, distribute, and archive science data.

The TOPEX Ground System includes the equipment needed to support operations and produce data products. It also includes tools to conduct mission planning, navigation, and performance analysis for the satellite and sensors.

The Flight Operations System uses the tools provided by the TOPEX Ground System to control the satellite, acquire the data, and produce desired data files.

The Science System is responsible for science verification and precision orbit determination.

The Science Data Processing and Distribution System generates science products.

Finally, the CNES Information and Science Processing System controls and operates CNES sensors and the DORIS beacons, and generates additional science products.