NASA’s mission with Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation and Storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats (TROPICS) is a constellation of state-of-the-art observation platforms that will measure temperature, humidity and rainfall in high resolution and with unprecedented frequency. Two TROPICS CubeSats took off over an Astra 3 rocket from Space Launch Complex 46 at the Cape Canaveral Space Station in Florida yesterday, June 12, 2022. The launch took place at approximately 1:43 p.m. EDT. Things seemed to be going well at first, but after a nominal first-stage flight, the upper stage of the rocket closed early and failed to deliver the TROPICS CubeSats into orbit. Shortly after the failure, the Astra wrote on Twitter: “We had a nominal first-stage flight. The upper stage closed early and we did not deliver the payloads on track. We shared our grief with @NASA and the payload team. More information will be provided after we complete the full review of the data. “ Three pairs of satellites form the constellation TROPICS and will work together to provide microwave observations of storms on Earth, measuring the rainfall, temperature and humidity of a storm so often every 50 minutes. Credit: NASA NASA says that while disappointed with the loss of the two TROPICS CubeSats, the mission is part of NASA’s Earth program, which provides opportunities for low-cost, high-risk missions. Despite the loss of the first two of the six satellites, the constellation TROPICS will continue to meet its scientific objectives with the four remaining CubeSats split into two orbits. With four satellites, TROPICS will continue to provide improved time-resolved observations of tropical cyclones compared to traditional observation methods. TROPICS is a business mission to Earth – science-driven missions, selected competitive, low-cost missions that provide opportunities to invest in innovative Earth science to enhance our ability to better understand the current state of the Earth system and allow continuous improvement in predicting future changes. A camera on the rocket shows an exhaust plume when the engine is shut down early. Credit: NASASpaceflight / Astra As the organization works with emerging launch providers for cost-effective space launch capabilities, these types of missions are important to expand our scientific knowledge while enhancing the US commercial launch industry. As a mission licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the FAA and Astra will lead the investigation to understand what happened during the launch of TROPICS-1. NASA will lend any know-how it needs, but will wait to stop the Astra launch effort while research is underway to ensure we move forward when we are ready. NASA’s Launch Services Program, which manages the Launch Service for the mission, continues to work with emerging launchers to deliver low-cost on-track scientific missions with commercial-aligned contracts, using less NASA oversight. lower launch costs. Small satellites and Class D payloads tolerate relatively high risk and serve as an ideal platform for technical and architectural innovation, contributing to NASA’s scientific research and technological development. Thanks to the transparency of the Astra, NASA participated in the research of the previous launch of the Astra. In addition, we have been involved in discussions about lessons learned and corrective actions. We recognize the risks inherent in a new launcher and will offer our assistance as needed. NASASpaceflight and Astra have teamed up to broadcast this launch.
