TROPICS-2
Launch Overview
Liftoff Time
May 08, 2023 - 01:00 GMT (01:00 UTC)
Window Open
01:00 GMT (01:00 UTC)
Window Close
03:00 GMT (03:00 UTC)
Complex Overview
Launch Facility
Onenui Station, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
Launch Pad
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B
Turnaround Time
a month
Who is Rocket Lab?
Rocket Lab is an American aerospace manufacturer with a wholly owned New Zealand subsidiary. The company develops lightweight, cost-effective commercial rocket launch services. The Electron Program was founded on the premise that small payloads such as CubeSats require dedicated small launch vehicles and flexibility not currently offered by traditional rocket systems. Its rocket, the Electron, is a light-weight rocket and is now operating commercially. Electron currently launches from only Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand however they are currently looking into developing a facility in the US.
What Is Electron?
Electron is a two-stage orbital expendable launch vehicle (with an optional third stage) developed by the American aerospace company Rocket Lab. Electron is a small-lift launch vehicle designed to launch small satellites and cubesats to sun-synchronous orbit and low earth orbit. The Electron is the first orbital class rocket to use electric-pump-fed engines, powered by the 9 Rutherford engines on the first stage.
Engines
Rutherford
The Rutherford is a small (25cm Dia. 35kg) liquid propellant rocket engine designed by aerospace company Rocket Lab. Ten Rutherford engines are used on Rocket Labs Electron rocket, nine for the first stage, and one vacuum-optimized version for the second stage. Its fueled by refined kerosene (RP-1) mixed with liquid oxygen(LOX).
Rutherford Vacuum
The Rutherford Vacuum-optimized is a small liquid propellant rocket engine with a longer nozzle then the sea-level version, designed by aerospace company Rocket Lab. Ten Rutherford (sea-level engines are used on Rocket Labs Electron rocket, nine for the first stage, and one vacuum-optimized version for the second stage. Its fueled by refined kerosene (RP-1) mixed with liquid oxygen(LOX).
Mission Overviw
Third and fourth operational (TROPICS-04 & TROPICS-05) satellites for NASA's Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation Structure and Storm Intensity with a Constellation of SmallSats (TROPICS) mission. The CubeSats are designed to provide rapid-refresh microwave measurements that can be used to determine temperature, pressure, and humidity inside hurricanes as they form and evolve.
