The hurricane-tracking satellites were placed into orbit by rockets built by the U.S. company Rocket Lab and launched from the space center on the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand. With this, NASA has completed the deployment of the TROPICS system with four satellites, each the size of a shoebox.
TROPICS is expected to provide researchers with better monitoring of the formation and behavior of Pacific hurricanes, as each satellite can fly over the storms every hour, compared to the current satellite frequency of every six hours. Additionally, the collected data on rainfall, temperature, and humidity can help scientists more accurately determine the intensity and landfall location of hurricanes, thereby assisting coastal residents in preparing for storms and facilitating emergency evacuations.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated, “As a resident of Florida, I understand the critical importance of timely and accurate forecasts of hurricanes for millions of Americans. Increasing heavy rains and flooding are devastating livelihoods and claiming many lives. This drives NASA to demonstrate the importance of advanced science in order to answer questions that no one else can.”
According to the initial plan, the TROPICS system was supposed to consist of six satellites. However, last year NASA encountered a setback when the first two satellites failed to launch due to issues with the US Astra rocket during takeoff.
Scientists have warned that hurricanes are becoming stronger as the surface waters of the oceans warm. Last year, Hurricane Ian claimed the lives of dozens of people, caused significant damage to the state of Florida (USA), and resulted in over $100 billion in economic losses. It was also the most devastating natural disaster worldwide in 2022.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that the country will experience 12-17 major hurricanes in the upcoming hurricane season. After three hurricane seasons dominated by La Niña, a phenomenon that contributes to the intensification of Atlantic hurricanes, NOAA forecasts the arrival of El Niño this summer, which could suppress hurricane activity.