NASA Shuts Down Oceanography Satellite
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
NASA’s TOPEX/Poseidon oceanography satellite, which measured sea levels around the world, has been shut down after 13 years of operation, the agency said Thursday.
The satellite’s reaction wheel, used for keeping the craft in the proper orbital orientation, failed in October, making the satellite tumble. The craft was originally designed to last five years. It will be left in its orbit 830 miles above Earth.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
