When did TROPICS launch?

May 25, 2023

Where is TROPICS?

342 miles (550 km) above Earth’s equator

What does TROPICS do?

TROPICS is the short name for Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats. This mission is four separate satellites, each made up of three CubeSats. A CubeSat is a small, cube-shaped satellite that is only about 4 inches (10 centimeters) on each side. TROPICS will measure atmospheric temperature profiles and precipitation.

Learn more about NASA’s TROPICS mission.