TOPEX/Poseidon's Contribution
11
H|0|earlier|previous oceanographic missions|23|53|
H|0|config|instrumentation|88|102|
H|0|locate|precision orbit determination|130|158|
H|0|phases|phases of the mission|415|435|
H|0|sd|dataset|551|557|
H|0|dataflo|correction|275|284|
G|0|alt|altimeter|197|205|
G|0|2.5cm|2.5 centimeters|252|266|
G|0|5cm|5 centimeters|339|351|
G|0|ogy|oceanography|591|602|
G|0|precision|precision|225|233|
    While building on previous oceanographic missions, TOPEX/Poseidon carries improved instrumentation and has the most accurate precision orbit determination of any earth-orbiting satellite. Its altimeter has a measurement precision of approximately 2.5 centimeters. After correction the resulting sea level observations are accurate to 5 centimeters. 
    During the Primary Observation and Extended Observation phases of the mission, the satellite continuously observes the surface currents of the ocean, and provides a valuable long-term, global dataset unprecedented in the history of oceanography. This in turn allows researchers to calculate ocean currents, identify climate trends, and improve weather forecasting. 
    TOPEX/Poseidon contributes to the prospect of detailed understanding of the global ocean, and useful climate forecasts on time scales longer than a season.
