Rocket Lab, a private spaceflight company, is set to launch two NASA hurricane research satellites on August 29, 2021. The launch will take place from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, and will be broadcast live on NASA TV.
The two satellites, known as the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS), are designed to study the inner workings of hurricanes and improve our ability to predict their intensity. CYGNSS uses a technique called GPS-Reflectometry, which measures the GPS signals reflected off the ocean surface to determine wind speed and other important data.
The launch was originally scheduled for August 27, but was delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions. Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck said in a statement, “We’re keeping a close eye on the weather and will only proceed with launch when conditions are optimal.”
Rocket Lab has become a major player in the small satellite launch industry, with its Electron rocket capable of launching payloads up to 300 kilograms into orbit. The company has launched more than 100 satellites for various customers, including NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and commercial companies.
The CYGNSS mission is part of NASA’s Earth System Science Pathfinder program, which aims to develop new technologies and methods for studying Earth’s complex systems. The data collected by CYGNSS will be used to improve hurricane forecasting models and help emergency responders better prepare for and respond to hurricanes.
The launch will be Rocket Lab’s 21st mission overall and its second for NASA. The company previously launched a CubeSat mission for NASA in January 2018.
Rocket Lab’s success in the small satellite launch market has made it a popular choice for government and commercial customers alike. The company has plans to expand its launch capabilities with a new launch site in Virginia and a larger rocket called Neutron, which is expected to make its debut in 2024.
Overall, the launch of the CYGNSS satellites is an important step forward in our understanding of hurricanes and our ability to predict and respond to them. With Rocket Lab’s reliable launch capabilities and NASA’s cutting-edge technology, we can expect to see significant advancements in hurricane research in the years to come.
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- Source: https://zephyrnet.com/live-coverage-rocket-lab-set-to-launch-two-nasa-hurricane-research-satellites/