A Rocket Lab Electron rocket launched a pair of NASA cubesats designed to monitor the development of tropical storms on May 7, 2023. The satellites, named FORUM and TROPICS-1, were deployed into orbit from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 9 p.m. Eastern.

The TROPICS constellation is designed to provide near-real-time data on tropical cyclones and other weather systems. The six satellites will be placed in three orbital planes, spaced 12 hours apart, to provide continuous coverage of the tropics.

The data from the TROPICS satellites will be used to improve hurricane forecasting and warning systems. It will also be used to study the development of tropical storms and other weather systems.

The launch of the TROPICS satellites was a major milestone for NASA’s Earth science program. The constellation is expected to provide valuable data for years to come.

Background

The TROPICS constellation is a NASA mission to monitor tropical cyclones and other weather systems in the tropics. The constellation consists of six 3U cubesats, which are small satellites that are about the size of a shoebox. The satellites will be placed in three orbital planes, spaced 12 hours apart, to provide continuous coverage of the tropics.

The TROPICS satellites will carry a variety of instruments to measure the temperature, humidity, and wind speed of tropical cyclones. The data from the satellites will be used to improve hurricane forecasting and warning systems. It will also be used to study the development of tropical storms and other weather systems.

Launch

The TROPICS satellites were launched on a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. The launch took place on May 7, 2023, at 9 p.m. Eastern. The satellites were deployed into orbit successfully.

Mission Objectives

The TROPICS mission has the following objectives:

• To provide near-real-time data on tropical cyclones and other weather systems in the tropics.
• To improve hurricane forecasting and warning systems.
• To study the development of tropical storms and other weather systems.

Significance

The launch of the TROPICS satellites is a major milestone for NASA’s Earth science program. The constellation is expected to provide valuable data for years to come. The data from the TROPICS satellites will be used to improve hurricane forecasting and warning systems. It will also be used to study the development of tropical storms and other weather systems. This information will help us to better understand and prepare for these dangerous weather events.

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