Launch of Cyclone-Tracking TROPICS CubeSats from New Zealand (Official NASA Broadcast) (Date TBD)
Launch of NASA’s Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats (TROPICS) mission is delayed due to a weather front headed toward Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex-1 in Māhia, New Zealand. Rocket Lab will assess the weather as it evolves over the weekend and confirm the new target date soon.
NASA and Rocket Lab will launch two CubeSats into orbit for the TROPICS (Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats) mission.
TROPICS is a constellation of four identical CubeSats designed to observe tropical cyclones from low Earth orbit, making observations more frequently than current weather tracking satellites. The second launch from Rocket Lab with two additional CubeSats is targeted for Tuesday, May 16 EDT.
Image Credit: Rocket Lab
