(Update: Launched) NASA and Rocket Lab targeting May 7 to launch two storm-tracking CubeSats into orbit

NASA and Rocket Lab have set a new launch target date of Sunday, May 7th (1 p.m. Monday, May 8th, New Zealand Standard Time) to send two CubeSats for tracking storms into orbit, following the postponement of the previous launch due to weather conditions in New Zealand.

The two CubeSats are part of the TROPICS (Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats) constellation, consisting of four identical satellites specifically designed to observe tropical cyclones from a low Earth orbit.

The mission will launch on a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 Pad B in Māhia, New Zealand, at 9 p.m. EDT. The coverage of the launch will be broadcasted on NASA Television, the NASA app, the official NASA website, and Rocket Lab's website.

By providing more frequent observations compared to existing weather tracking satellites, TROPICS aims to enhance weather forecasting models by collecting data at higher frequencies, assisting scientists in improving their understanding and predictions of tropical cyclones.

🚀🛰🛰TROPICS LAUNCH UPDATE:@NASA & @RocketLab are now targeting 1pm NZST, May 8 (9pm EDT, May 7) for #RocketLikeAHurricane, the first of two launches from Mahia, New Zealand. The TROPICS #CubeSat constellation will help forecasters study and track hurricanes and typhoons!… pic.twitter.com/SJLUistE8R

— NASA's Launch Services Program (@NASA_LSP) May 5, 2023

Update 1

Rocket Lab has launched two small satellites for NASA's storm-tracking TROPICS mission to orbit. The two shoebox-sized satellites are part of a constellation that aims to improve the forecasting of devastating tropical storms.

Liftoff! Two TROPICS shoebox-sized satellites are on their way to join the fleet of @NASAEarth missions studying our home planet. Together, TROPICS will have the potential to gather near-hourly data on the formation and development of tropical cyclones. pic.twitter.com/wN4du9afZS

— NASA (@NASA) May 8, 2023