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| S P E C I A L | CNN In-Depth: - Space |
Satellite launched in Japan to measure rainfall
Liftoff delayed by technical problem
November 27, 1997
Web posted at: 5:40 p.m. EST (2240 GMT)TANEGASHIMA, Japan (CNN) -- A satellite expected to spend four years in space studying rainfall patterns was launched Friday morning by the Japanese Space Agency.
The TRMM (for Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission) was launched at about 2130 GMT, nearly an hour after it was supposed to take off.
The launch was delayed by an unidentified technical problem, necessitating a new countdown and the later launch.
The project is a joint mission of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Japanese Space Agency.
NASA animation of the TRMM satellite launch 884K/23 sec. QuickTime movie The Japanese agency provided the rocket and a radar system that will be used by the satellite. NASA provided some of the instruments and the spacecraft itself, which was folded inside the first stage of the rocket.
The goal of the program is to use microwave and infrared sensors to measure the amount of rainfall in the tropics and sub-tropics so as to better understand how the water cycle fuels global weather patterns.
It is also expected to help scientists understand rain's role in regulating the Earth's temperature.
Eventually, scientists hope to use the information to design better climate models that can be used to predict droughts, heavy rainfall and other abnormalities.
Related sites:
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- National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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