Rocket Lab Launches Storm-Tracking NASA Satellites

Rocket Lab launched a second batch of “shoebox-sized” NASA satellites into orbit from New Zealand on Friday, May 26.

NASA said the satellites “will provide near-hourly data that could improve forecasts of tropical cyclones and severe weather.”

The two satellites launched Friday joined two others already in orbit as part of NASA’s TROPICS program. Credit: NASA via Storyful

Video transcript

- 3, 2, 1. Liftoff.

[ENGINE ROARING]

- HPV discharge--

- And that is a beautiful liftoff for Electron. The final two TROPICS satellites are on their way and coming to a storm near you.

- 3, 2, 1. Liftoff.

[ENGINE ROARING]

- HPV discharge--

- And that is a beautiful liftoff for Electron. The final two TROPICS satellites are on their way and coming to a storm near you.

- 3, 2--