New Zealand launch of two TROPICS radiometers
Another two TROPICS radiometers were launched on the 26th May - details are here - and the Youtube video here
and are - to quote - the PI, Bill Blackwell ....."all four are working great!"
At 2 am BST, Monday 8th May 2023, the New Zealand launch of two TROPICS radiometers puts TK
designed, made and tested antennas into orbit to observe hurricanes.
Rocket Labs' Electron engine powers the initial part of the launch: Credit:Rocket Labs
Click here to watch the launch on YouTube - and a splendid Drone video here
....the 100mm cube tri-band antennas use a polarizing grid to combine co-aligned beams covering
atmospheric rotation lines of water and oxygen: The MIT/ Lincoln Labs designed radiometers will provide
the timely imaging of hurricanes, from their 30 degree inclined equatorial orbit.
Artist image of TROPICS monitoring a cyclone: Credit NASA
More details of TK's antenna are here , coving these mm-wave bands:
Water and Oxgen Atmospheric water lines, showing what TROPICs will be observing: Credit Bill Blackwell