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Home / IAS Preparation / Science & Technology Notes / TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite

NASA’s TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite Mission – Timeline, Crew & Spacecraft

Last Updated on Jun 17, 2025
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With more and more missions planned for the Moon, Mars, and even asteroids, NASA continues to lead the way in exploring deep space. Its work influences how countries around the world think about space, how we discuss environmental issues, and it inspires people to study and learn more – making NASA a fascinating topic from many different angles. In this detailed article, we will learn about the TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite mission which will travel to Earth (non-Sun-synchronous orbit for altimetry), aiming to examine its operational features, onboard systems, and relevance for international collaboration.

  • On August 10, 1992, NASA launched TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite, initiating a mission aimed at advancing our knowledge of space.  
  • Engineers and scientists have collaborated extensively to meet the missions key objective, which is to High-precision ocean surface topography measurement; study ocean circulation, requiring innovative technological solutions.  
  • The people chosen for this Ocean altimetry satellite received special training tailored to what the mission required.  
  • The powerful Ariane 42P stood poised on the launchpad, a testament to human ambition and engineering. 
  • The mission began with a launch from Guiana Space Centre, Kourou. 
  • It remained active for Over 13 years. 
  • NASA, CNES (French Space Agency) played a key role in the success of the mission. 
  • Overall, the mission was Completed (Successful), meeting most of its objectives. 
  • The mission had an estimated cost of NASA ~$400 million; CNES ~$300 million, aiming to expand humanity’s reach into deep space. 

TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite introduced Dual-frequency radar altimeter (NASA), Single-frequency solid-state altimeter (CNES - Poseidon), enhancing NASAs ability to conduct advanced research in deep space environments.

TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite relied on Precision orbit determination, advanced radar altimetry to achieve greater operational independence and efficiency in unstructured space settings. In this article, we’ve explored every phase of TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite—from its initial proposal to its mission completion which will give UPSC aspirants a complete perspective valuable for UPSC Mains GS Papers 2, 3, 4, and the Essay Paper.

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NASA TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite Space Mission Overview 

TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite – Space Mission Profile for UPSC

Target Celestial Body

Earth (non-Sun-synchronous orbit for altimetry)

Launch Date

August 10, 1992

Objective

High-precision ocean surface topography measurement; study ocean circulation

Mission Type

Ocean altimetry satellite

Launch Vehicle

Ariane 42P

Launch Site

Guiana Space Centre, Kourou

Mission Duration

Over 13 years

Agencies Involved

NASA, CNES (French Space Agency)

Mission Status

Completed (Successful)

Estimated Cost

NASA ~$400 million; CNES ~$300 million

Proposal Date

Mid-1980s

New Instruments/Payloads

Dual-frequency radar altimeter (NASA), Single-frequency solid-state altimeter (CNES - Poseidon)

Key Technologies Used

Precision orbit determination, advanced radar altimetry

Also, Checkout Sunita Williams’ Missions to the International Space Station

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TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite Space Mission Global Contributions

NASA partnered with CNES (co-lead, Poseidon altimeter, launch) for TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite, strengthening international efforts in robotic space exploration.

  • Poseidon altimeter and launch from CNES equipped TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite with tools to support onboard decision-making and adaptive science operations. 
  • NASA relied on Fairchild Space (NASA spacecraft bus) to supply major components for the spacecraft and launch systems, enhancing mission efficiency. 
  • The use of Data transformed oceanography and climate science encouraged collaborative validation of autonomous technologies and mission outcomes. 
  • The global significance of TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite was reflected in its role as Revolutionized understanding of ocean currents and sea level change, influencing the way nations coordinate and plan space missions. 

Global Collaboration & Strategic Impact

International Partners

CNES (co-lead, Poseidon altimeter, launch)

Payload Contributions

Poseidon altimeter and launch from CNES

Commercial Involvement

Fairchild Space (NASA spacecraft bus)

Data Sharing Agreements

Data transformed oceanography and climate science

Impact on Global Space Policy

Revolutionized understanding of ocean currents and sea level change
Checkout: Daily UPSC Current Affairs for your upcoming exam and get thorough with detailed Insights, Trends and Latest Developments for UPSC CSE Exam

Challenges & Risk in TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite Space Mission

One of the most significant technical challenges faced by TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite was Managing aging spacecraft components like reaction wheels, which was successfully mitigated using a combination of onboard automation and ground-based support systems.

  • Mitigating risks like Reaction wheel failures later in mission was essential to ensuring the missions success and preserving scientific goals. 
  • As part of NASAs commitment to sustainable exploration, TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite resulted in Moved to disposal orbit. 

Operational Risks, Environmental Impact & Challenges

Risk & Mitigation Log

Reaction wheel failures later in mission

Environmental & Sustainability Footprint

Moved to disposal orbit

Challenges Faced

Managing aging spacecraft components like reaction wheels

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Mission Timeline of TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite NASA Space Mission
  • On Mid-1980s, the initial mission outline was submitted to NASA leadership. 
  • The landing/flyby event occurred on Not applicable, and was closely monitored by scientists around the world. 
  • The NASA space mission reached the end of its primary phase on October 2005 (Operations ceased), successfully completing all planned objectives. 

Mission Timeline & Key Milestones

Proposal Date

Mid-1980s

Critical Design Review (CDR) Date

N/A

Assembly Complete Date

N/A

Launch Date

August 10, 1992

Landing / Flyby Date

Not applicable

End of Primary Mission Date

October 2005 (Operations ceased)

Get to Know the detailed UPSC Syllabus for IAS Prelims & Mains Exam!

UPSC Relevance of TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite
  • Scientific advancements and innovations by NASA are a recurring theme in the UPSC Prelims, reflecting their global significance. 
  • General Studies Paper 3 includes NASA space missions under science and technology, especially focusing on innovations in space exploration and their global impact.
  • Questions in General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics) under the UPSC CSE Exam may reference NASA’s planetary exploration policies to discuss intergenerational responsibility and long-term sustainability ethics.
  • NASA Space Missions provide cross-cutting content useful in UPSC optional subjects like PSIR, Geography, and Public Administration by exemplifying governance models, global diplomacy, and spatial data infrastructure.

Also, Learn about International Space Station (ISS)

Past UPCS Mains PYQs on NASA Space Missions

Q1. Launched on 25th December 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor space telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (2022, GS Paper 3) 

Q2. How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? (2017, GS Paper 1)

Q3. The safe landing of the ‘Curiosity’ Rover under NASA’s space programme has sparked many possibilities. What are those and how could humankind benefit from them? (2012, GS Paper 2)

Past UPCS Prelims PYQs on NASA Space Missions

Q1 [2022]: Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in the media?

(a) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.

(b) A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.

(c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

(d) A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface.

Answer: (c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

Explanation: While this question pertains to a military concept, NASAs research into orbital mechanics and space trajectories contributes to the broader understanding of such technologies.

Q2 [2020]: “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to:

(a) Voyager-2

(b) New Horizons

(c) Lisa Pathfinder

(d) Evolved LISA

Answer: (d) Evolved LISA

Explanation: Evolved LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a space-based gravitational wave observatory developed by ESA with contributions from NASA.

Q3 [2017]: What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

(a) To detect neutrinos

(b) To detect gravitational waves

(c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system

(d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

Answer: (b) To detect gravitational waves

Explanation: Evolved Laser Space Interferometer Space Antenna (ELISA) project was widely in the news due to the discovery of gravitational waves by the LIGO detector and the subsequent success of the LISA pathfinder project. The European Space Agency is leading the ELISA mission. The project is initiated to detect and accurately measure gravitational waves.

Q4 [2016]: What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

(a) Electric plane tested by NASA

(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

(c) Space observatory launched by China

(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

Answer: (a) Electric plane tested by NASA
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Explanation: GL-10 is a remotely piloted plane similar to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It is designed and developed in such a way that it can take off like a helicopter and fly like an airplane. It is a battery-powered 10-engine with a wingspan of 3.05 meters. Eight electric motors are mounted on the wings. 2 electric motors are mounted on the tail. It weighs a maximum of 28.1 kilograms at takeoff. Due to its versatile vertical takeoff and landing ability, it produces less noise. It can be used as a UAV for small package delivery or vertical takeoff and landing, as well as long-endurance surveillance for agriculture, mapping, and other applications. Its modified scaled-up version can be used as a persons air vehicle.

Q5 [2015]: The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of:

(a) The limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth

(b) Regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available

(c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

(d) Search for meteorites containing precious metals

Answer: (c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

Explanation: The Goldilocks Zone is the livable zone around a star where the temperature is not too hot and not too cold for liquid water to exist on a planet. It is a metaphor for the childrens story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, in which a young girl selects from sets of three objects, eschewing the extremes (such as those that are enormous or small, hot or cold) and fixing on the one that is just right in the middle. The Goldilocks zone of the Sun surrounds the Earth. All of Earths water would freeze if it were found where the dwarf planet Pluto is; however, all of Earths water would boil out if it were found where Mercury is.

Also, Get to Know What was NASA's Parker Solar Probe Mission

UPSC Practice Questions on NASA Space Missions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

1. Its objective is to aid in the understanding of dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics
2. It will be situated or parked in the Lagrange point
3. Its field view will be greater than the Hubble Telescope

Which of the above statements are correct

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: 1, 2 and 3
Solution: The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope aims to enhance our understanding of dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics. It will be located at Lagrange point 2, a stable gravitational point between Earth and the Sun. Additionally, its field of view will be significantly larger than that of the Hubble Space Telescope.

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Q2. Heavy oxygen contains how many neutrons

1. 8
2. 10
3. 12
4. 14

Answer: 10
Solution: Heavy oxygen, specifically the isotope known as 18O, contains 10 neutrons. This isotope is heavier than the more common form of oxygen, which has 8 neutrons.

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Q3. Which space organization has successfully conducted the cheapest Mars mission

1. ISRO
2. NASA
3. Roscosmos
4. JAXA

Answer: ISRO
Solution: The Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO, is recognized for its cost-effective Mars Orbiter Mission, which successfully placed a probe into Mars' orbit during its first attempt.

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Q4. What is the name of the NASA mission that was relaunched to intercept the God of Chaos asteroid

1. OSIRIS-APEX
2. GEMINI
3. LCROSS-LPRP
4. VERITAS

Answer: OSIRIS-APEX
Solution: NASA relaunched the OSIRIS-APEX mission to study the asteroid known as the God of Chaos, Apophis, which poses a potential collision threat to Earth.

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Q5. Which telescope is currently considered to be the most powerful in its reach

1. Spitzer Space Telescope
2. Hubble Space Telescope
3. James Webb Space Telescope
4. Keck Observatory

Answer: James Webb Space Telescope
Solution: The James Webb Space Telescope, developed by NASA with contributions from the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, is currently the most powerful space telescope, designed to observe the universe in unprecedented detail.

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Q6. In which year did the Apollo 11 mission successfully land humans on the moon

1. 1970
2. 1972
3. 1971
4. 1969

Answer: 1969
Solution: The Apollo 11 mission successfully landed humans on the moon on July 20, 1969, with astronaut Neil Armstrong becoming the first person to step onto the lunar surface.

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Q7. Consider the following statements regarding the features of NISAR Satellite

1. The S-band payload has been made by the US and the L-band by the ISRO
2. It can completely map earth in 14-15 days and is capable of monitoring the vegetation cover and snow cover

Which of the above statements is/are correct

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: 2 Only
Solution: The NISAR mission is capable of mapping the Earth in 14-15 days and monitoring vegetation and snow cover. However, the S-band payload is developed by ISRO, and the L-band payload is developed by NASA, making statement 1 incorrect.

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Q8. Consider the following statements about India’s upcoming Venus Orbiter Mission

1. It will be India’s first interplanetary mission after the Mars Orbiter Mission launched in 2013
2. The mission aims to land on the surface of Venus to conduct experiments
3. The mission will use aero-braking to lower the orbiter's altitude for conducting scientific experiments

Which of the statements given above is/are correct

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: 3
Solution: The Venus Orbiter Mission will be India's second interplanetary mission after the Mars Orbiter Mission. It is designed to study Venus from orbit and will not attempt to land on its surface. The mission will utilize aero-braking to lower the orbiter's altitude for scientific experiments.

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Q9. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the solar wind interaction with Earth's magnetosphere

1. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I
2. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I
3. Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct

Answer: option 1
Solution: Both statements are correct. When the solar wind hits the magnetosphere, it slows down and forms a bow shock, where kinetic energy converts into electromagnetic and thermal energy. Statement II correctly explains Statement I.

Subject-wise Prelims Previous Year Questions

Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims

Polity PYQ UPSC Prelims

Environment PYQ UPSC Prelims

Ancient History PYQ UPSC Prelims

Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims

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Also, Read about Axiom 4 Mission (Ax-4) for UPSC

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