Systems
3
H|0|vehicle|Launch Vehicle System|352|372|
H|0|satsys|Spacecraft Systems|440|457|
H|0|grndsys|Ground Systems|540|553|
   When used in the context of the TOPEX/Poseidon mission, the term "system" refers to the hardware and software designed to support a specific function and to the people necessary to manage and operate them. These groups of individuals are referred to as teams. 
   Systems for TOPEX/Poseidon may be divided at a high level into three functions. The Launch Vehicle System, responsible for delivering the spacecraft into a safe orbit, the Spacecraft Systems, composed of the spacecraft itself and the instruments on board, and finally the Ground Systems, necessary for the maintenance and operation of the Spacecraft Systems and the production of science data. 
   The functions of these systems are equally important and depend absolutely upon each other to achieve the common goal of continuously monitoring the level of the world's oceans.
