The storm-tracking NASA satellite constellation now has a new launch schedule.
In this NASA handout image taken from the International Space Station, Hurricane Ian moves through the Caribbean Sea on September 26, 2022 just south of Cuba. The storm is expected to bring a potentially life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds.
The TROPICS (Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats) mission was originally scheduled on Apr. 30.
However, the NASA-Rocket Lab joint mission has been delayed due to weather conditions in New Zealand.
Now, NASA will attempt to launch the TROPICS satellite constellation once again.
NASA's Storm-Tracking Satellite Constellation Update
According to Gizmodo's latest report, NASA announced that the new launch schedule for its TROPICS mission is on May 7.
Space Shuttle Atlantis is moved off of launch pad 39-b and back to the vehicle assembly building atop a crawler transporter in preparation for approaching tropical storm Ernesto August 29, 2006 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch of Atlantis was originally scheduled for August 27 but was delayed due to a lightning strike and now the tropical storm.
The international space union said that they will attempt to send the new storm-tracking satellite constellation at 9:00 p.m. EDT (May 8 at 1:00 p.m. New Zealand Time).
NASA added that the mission will carry two storm-tracking cube satellites.
For those who are interested to watch the cubesat launch, NASA said that Rocket Lab will provide live coverage.
NASA further stated that its partner's live coverage will approximately start 20 minutes before the TROPICS mission's launch.
"Coverage will air on NASA Television, the NASA app, the agency's website, and Rocket Lab's website," said the space agency via its official press release.
Second TROPICS Mission Launch to Happen
NASA said that the launch activity on May 7 is just the first one.
The space organization confirmed that Rocket Lab will conduct a second launch that will carry two additional satellites.
NASA further stated that the second launch's schedule will be contingent on the time and date of the first activity.
The new TROPICS mission will consist of a total of four storm-tracking cube satellites. These are designed to observe tropical storms from low Earth orbit (LEO).
Once the new TROPICS constellation is operating, it is expected to offer better and more frequent storm observations compared to traditional weather tracking satellites.
You can click this link to learn more about NASA's TROPICS mission.
In other news, the NASA Juno mission recently completed its 50th orbit around Jupiter, capturing spectacular views.
Meanwhile, NASA's super-pressure balloon, which is the size of a football stadium, was successfully launched.
For more news updates about NASA and its upcoming space missions, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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