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Rocket Lab has launched the second set of TROPICS hurricane-studying cubesats for NASA on May 25, 2023. The launch completes the agency’s hurricane-studying miniconstellation. TROPICS stands for “Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation Structure and Storm Intensity with a Constellation of Small Sats.” The satellites lifted off on top of an Electron rocket vehicle from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s North Island. The two tiny satellites were deployed about 34 minutes after liftoff, Rocket Lab confirmed via Twitter. Rocket Lab’s previous TROPICS launch, called “Rocket Like a Hurricane,” sent the first half of the constellation into low Earth orbit on May 7.
Section 1: TROPICS Cubesat Launch
On May 25, 2023, Rocket Lab launched the second set of NASA’s TROPICS cubesats, part of a miniconstellation that investigates intense tropical storms in terms of precipitation, temperature, and humidity nearly hourly. Each satellite is equipped with microwave measuring technology that can refresh faster than current weather-tracking satellites, providing more frequent imaging that improves situational awareness when a hurricane forms.
Section 2: Launch Details
The launch, dubbed “Coming to a Storm Near You,” originally targeted a midnight EDT launch but was pushed back by nearly 24 hours due to inclement weather. The satellites were lifted off atop an Electron rocket vehicle from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s North Island, and the two tiny satellites were deployed about 34 minutes after liftoff. The second TROPICS launch completes the constellation for the hurricane-studying miniconstellation program.
Section 3: TROPICS Constellation Orbit
The TROPICS constellation sits in a unique low Earth orbit over the planet’s tropical regions that is inclined in such a way that the satellites can travel over any given storm about once an hour. All four units in the constellation needed to be deployed within a 60-day period for it to be effective. The data collected by the TROPICS cubesats has the potential to save lives and livelihoods by improving storm forecasting models.
Conclusion:
Rocket Lab has completed the TROPICS hurricane-studying miniconstellation with the successful launch of the second set of NASA’s TROPICS cubesats. The satellites, equipped with microwave measuring technology, can refresh rapidly, providing more frequent imaging that improves situational awareness when a hurricane forms. The constellation orbits the planet’s tropical regions and will investigate intense tropical storms in terms of precipitation, temperature, and humidity nearly hourly, providing data to models that help improve forecasts from our partners like the National Hurricane Center and Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
FAQs:
1. What is Rocket Lab?
Rocket Lab is a private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider.
2. What is TROPICS?
TROPICS stands for “Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation Structure and Storm Intensity with a Constellation of Small Sats.” It is a miniconstellation program by NASA that investigates intense tropical storms.
3. What are cubesats?
Cubesats are a type of miniaturized satellite used for space research. They are cube-shaped and measure 10 x 10 x 10 cm.
4. How will TROPICS help with storm forecasting?
The TROPICS cubesats will collect data on precipitation, temperature, and humidity nearly hourly, providing information to models that help improve forecasts from our partners like the National Hurricane Center and Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
5. What is Rocket Lab’s role in the TROPICS program?
Rocket Lab launched the second set of NASA’s TROPICS cubesats, completing the TROPICS hurricane-studying miniconstellation program.
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