The Science Data Team, or SDT, is responsible for producing and distributing digital files containing information used for analyzing the performance of the spacecraft and its sensors, or containing interim and final science products.
After receiving the sensor data from TOPEX/Poseidon via the Tracking and Data Relay Satellites and their ground stations, SDT members at JPL use various computer programs to organize and refine the data. Additional files are then added to the processed data to produce the Altimeter Sensor Data Record, TOPEX Microwave Radiometer Sensor Data Record, Interim Geophysical Data Record and the final Geophysical Data Record.
These data records are then sent to the Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center or PO.DAAC. Staff at the PO.DAAC distribute the data to the science community and retain an archive copy for long-term preservation. From these data records investigators generate the science data products.
