Rocket Lab’s TROPICS Satellite Constellation Soars To Success In Debut Launch – SlashGear

With the successful deployment of the first of four TROPICS satellites, NASA is now focusing its attention on two additional satellites expected to be placed in orbit in less than two weeks from now. Rocket Lab has confirmed that these additional satellites will be launched from the same site in New Zealand. In case of an unexpected delay, NASA and Rocket Lab have a very short 60-day window for launching the next pair of TROPICS satellites to meet mission objectives.

Each satellite belonging to the TROPICS constellation must be launched into an orbit of around 550 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, and deployed at an inclination of around 30 degrees. The 60-day launch window also ensures that each pair of satellites can be launched at two different orbital planes spaced 180 degrees apart. This arrangement — as per Rocket Lab — will help these satellites maximize the coverage area and thereby help them achieve better prediction and storm tracking capabilities.

According to Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington, the higher frequency of images outputted by TROPICS satellites will improve NASA’s “situational awareness” after the formation of hurricanes. In addition, the data from TROPICS will also be helpful to agencies like the National Hurricane Center and Joint Typhoon Warning Center, who will benefit from the additional data relayed to them.