Rocket Lab Schedules 2nd NASA TROPICS Launch Date for Deploying S

Rocket Lab is gearing up for another exciting launch, this time to complete NASA’s TROPICS satellite constellation. The launch, dubbed ‘Coming To A Storm Near You,’ is set to take place on May 22nd from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand. This follows the successful deployment of the first two CubeSats of the TROPICS constellation during the ‘Rocket Like a Hurricane’ Electron launch on May 8th.

The TROPICS constellation, which stands for Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats, will monitor tropical cyclones and hurricanes to provide scientists with better data on storm intensity and formation. This will ultimately lead to improved modeling and prediction of these high-impact storms. The constellation consists of four CubeSats that require launch to a specific orbit at an altitude of 550 kilometers and inclination of about 30 degrees. All four satellites need to be deployed into their operational orbit within a 60-day period.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck expressed his pride in successfully deploying the first two TROPICS satellites and his excitement for the upcoming launch. “TROPICS aims to equip scientists and researchers with more accurate and timely storm data to provide better forecasts and advance warning to those in the path of devastating cyclones and hurricanes,” he said.

‘Coming To A Storm Near You’ will be Rocket Lab’s fifth Electron mission for 2023 and the Company’s 37th launch overall since its first Electron launch in 2017. The live launch webcast will be available on Rocket Lab’s website, and real-time mission updates can be found on Twitter @RocketLab.

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