Weather “postpones” the launch of TROPICS until May 23
- May 21, 2023
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NASA and Rocket Lab aim to launch a pair of CubeSats to monitor storms no later than 1:00 a.m. ET on May 23 (5:00 a.m. NDT) due to
NASA and Rocket Lab aim to launch a pair of CubeSats to monitor storms no later than 1:00 a.m. ET on May 23 (5:00 a.m. NDT) due to adverse weather conditions. TROPICS (Time Based Precipitation Patterns and Storm Intensity Observations Using the Minor Satellite Constellation) is operational and ready to launch on a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand. Rocket Lab originally planned to launch before 1:30 am ET (17:30 pm NDT) on Monday, May 22.
The launch is the second of two planned launches, each sending a pair of shoebox-sized satellites into low Earth orbit to more frequently monitor tropical cyclones, including hurricanes and typhoons. TROPICS will provide information on storm formation and severity by providing data on temperature, precipitation, water vapor and clouds via microwave measurements. This data will help scientists better understand the processes affecting these powerful storms, ultimately leading to improved modeling and predictions.
Rocket Lab will go live about 20 minutes before launch. The coverage will air on NASA TV, the NASA app, the agency’s website, and the Rocket Lab website. The broadcast will begin at approximately 12:40 PM ET on May 23.
Source: Port Altele
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