Rocket Lab successfully launches NASA's TROPICS CubeSat constellation.

Rocket Lab's Electron launcher successfully launched NASA's final two TROPICS CubeSats, completing a four-satellite constellation of tropical cyclone research platforms. The TROPICS satellites will collect imagery, temperature, and moisture data over tropical cyclones, with a fleet of four operational satellites capable of monitoring rapid changes in cyclones at least once per hour. The mission, relying on CubeSat technology and emerging launch providers, might carry a higher risk of a spacecraft or rocket failure. The low-inclination orbit selected for the TROPICS mission will focus the satellite observations on hotspots for tropical cyclone development.