First NASA TROPICS satellites launch to monitor tropical storms

May 9, 2023



On Sunday at about 13:00 (0100 UTC), a   rocket launched the first two of four NASA  (Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation Structure and Storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats)  from, New Zealand.

The CubeSats would form an array in low-Earth orbit, collecting observations of tropical cycloness' precipitation, temperature, and humidity more frequently than weather satellites currently in orbit.

, a program executive with NASA's, said: "TROPICS aims to improve our scientific understanding by obtaining microwave observations that allow us to see the inner structure of the storm approximately hourly."

TROPICS would share data with, among other organizations, the, the , and the.

The satellites are scheduled to begin observations before the begins. Kim noted, among three hurricanes to strike the US last year, inflicted more than US$100 billion in damages while killing over 100.

Rocket Lab secured the launch contract last November. NASA terminated a contract with after an Astra rocket experienced ignition failure in June, with two TROPICS satellites burning up as the rocket's upper stage reentered the atmosphere.