Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)

TRMM Mission Overview
• TRMM launched in Nov. 1997 from Japan, orbit boosted from 350 to 402 km
in Aug. 2001; 6+ years at 402 km, 3+ years at 350 km
• TRMM started as an experimental mission, but has become the primary
satellite in a global set of satellites to observe and study precipitation
characteristics and variations
• TRMM satellite data products (both research and real-time) produced by
TSDIS [includes multi-instrument and multi-satellite products-from beginning
of mission].
• Spacecraft status: all spacecraft systems in excellent shape for continuation;
one of two solar arrays is parked in horizontal position to avoid SADA failure.
• Instrument status: Precipitation Radar (PR)--no moving parts, electrically
scanning--no component limiting life; TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI)--has
DoD instrument heritage with 10+ yr median lifetime; Visible and IR Scanner
(VIRS)--very minor response degradation; Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS)--
no moving parts, no component limiting life
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