Rocket Lab schedules second satellite launch hot on heels of first success

Electron lifts off from Rocket Lab’s launch complex 1 for the “Rocket Like a Hurricane”. Picture supplied

Rocket Lab’s Mahia spaceport will launch more storm-chasing satellites for NASA just two weeks after successfully completing its first launch.

The launch, called “Coming To A Storm Near You”, is scheduled for lift-off no earlier than 5.30pm on Monday, May 22 from the Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on the Mahia Peninsula.

The launch follows the successful “Rocket Like a Hurricane” Electron launch on May 8, which deployed the first two CubeSats of NASA’s TROPICS constellation. The “Coming To A Storm Near You” launch will deploy the final two TROPICS CubeSats, completing the constellation.

The TROPICS constellation (Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats) will monitor the formation and evolution of tropical cyclones, including hurricanes, and will provide rapidly updating observations of storm intensity. The constellation, which is part of NASA’s Earth System Science Pathfinder Program, consists of four CubeSats that require launch to a specific orbit at an altitude of 550km and inclination of about 30 degrees. All four satellites need to be deployed into their operational orbit within a 60-day period.

“We’re immensely proud to have successfully deployed the first two TROPICS satellites into their precise orbits and are now looking forward to delivering one more launch to complete the constellation ahead of storm season.

“Rocket Lab has an established track record of delivering back-to-back missions just days apart, enabling us to comfortably deliver on the tight launch timeline requirements for TROPICS,” Rocket Lab founder and chief executive Peter Beck said.

“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. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with launching the mission and we’re grateful for the continued support from the teams at NASA and MIT Lincoln Laboratory for the next launch.”