TRMM

USA /Japan

Spacecraft n°:

Japanese spacecraft n°: 84

Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission

Launch data:

Designation	25063 / 97074A
Launch date	27 Nov 1997
Launch site	Tanegashima
Launch vehicle	H-2 (#5)
Mission	Earth Observation, Remote sensing
Earth orbit:
Perigee/Apogee	350 km
Inclination	35°
Period

Credit: JAXA

The volume of rainfall in the tropics accounts for about two-thirds of total rainfall on the earth. Acting as the "engine" of the atmospheric cycle, this rainfall has a major influence on climate formation on a global scale. TRMM is a satellite that will measure the amount and distribution of rainfall in tropical and meta-tropical areas. Remote sensing of rainfall by the satellite will make a major contribution in predicting climatic changes on a global scale, providing long-range predictions on abnormal weather created by the E1 Nino phenomenon, and helping to prevent natural disasters.

TRMM is a joint project of Japan and the United States. It is worth $512 million

Specifications:

Prime contractor	NASA GSFC
Platform
Mass at launch	3820 kg
Mass in orbit
Dimension
Solar array
Stabilization
DC power
Design lifetime	3 years

TRMM before launch - Credit: JAXA

TRMM attached to the rocket in the service tower - Credit: JAXA

Acquisition via TDRS
Telemetry/Data: 2255.5 MHz (upto 2 Mbps)
Command: 2076.94 MHz (500 or 1024 bps)

Payload:

PR: Precipitation Radar (Ku-band)
TMI: TRMM Microwave Imager
VIRS: Visible and Infrared Scanner
CERES: Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System
LIS: Lightning Imaging Sensor

The CERES instrument (TRW-built) is the first of a series of 6 to fly. CERES is a scanning broadband radiometer that measures reflected sunlight and emitted thermal energy from the surface of the Earth and the atmosphere. The radiometer is made up of three sensors, each with its own telescope mounted on a gimballed platform that continuously scans across the Earth in a 6.6-second cycle.

Ref: #15, #83, #235 - update: 09.09.10