While we’re disappointed at the loss of two TROPICS CubeSats, this mission is part of NASA’s Earth adventure program that offers opportunities for lower-cost, higher-risk missions. Despite the loss of two of the first six satellites, the constellation TROPICS will still meet its scientific goals with the remaining four CubeSats distributed in two orbits. With four satellites, TROPICS will still provide improved temporal observations of tropical cyclones compared to traditional observation methods.
TROPICS is a venture on Earth – a low-cost, competitively selected, science-driven mission that provides innovative Earth science investment opportunities to advance our capabilities. to better understand the current state of the Earth system and enable continuous improvement in the prediction of future changes.
As the agency works with emerging launchpad suppliers for cost-effective space launch capabilities, these types of missions are critical to expanding our scientific knowledge in the future. when promoting the commercial launch industry of the United States.
As a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-licensed mission, the FAA and Astra will lead the investigation to find out what happened during the launch of TROPICS-1. NASA will lend any expertise necessary but will pause the launch effort with Astra while an investigation is underway to ensure we continue when ready.
NASA’s Launch Services Program, which is managing launch service for the mission, continues to work with emerging launch service providers to bring low-cost science missions into orbit with tailored contracts. commercial practice, using less NASA surveillance to achieve lower launch costs. The small satellites and Class D payloads withstand relatively high risks and are ideal platforms for engineering and architectural innovation, contributing to NASA’s scientific research and technological development.
Thanks to the transparency displayed by Astra, NASA was involved in the investigation of Astra’s previous launch. In addition, we engaged in discussions about lessons learned and corrective actions. We recognize the inherent risks to a newly launched supplier and will allow us to provide assistance if needed.
Last Updated: June 13, 2022
Editor: Tyler Greene
Related
