Presently the current system is using a single satellite only produce a single image every couple of days. Unfortunately, current satellite monitoring systems can only look at such storms periodically, which can lead to some nasty surprises.
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NASA claims that the CYGNSS and Global Positioning System satellites will orbit around the earth, which will also be able to deliver a wind speed image of the tropics once every few hours, now how about that for added peace of mind?
A group of eight microsatellites, the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) mission, will better predict hurricanes by tallying ocean surface winds near and around the eye of hurricanes, tropical cyclones, and typhoons.
The CYGNSS mission has lately passed the two important NASA reviews, which has cleared its path of integration, testing and preparation of the microsatellites for flight.
Each of the satellites will be about the size of an airline carry-on suitcase and weigh less than 30kg.
Chris Ruf, CYGNSS principal investigator at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, said, “These reviews were a major milestone for CYGNSS, marking the end of the detailed design and planning stages of the mission and the beginning of flight hardware assembly”. These measurements will advance forecasting strategies by offering knowledge that may result in higher predictions of tracks, intensities and storm surges. “We at the moment are within the final part of the mission previous to launch and the start of a brand new period in hurricane observations”.
The University of Michigan is directing the CYGNSS mission for NASA, including satellite design and production and science data processing.
The construction of the first satellite began on August 14, and the assemblage of the seven remaining satellites will begin within the next few weeks.
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The satellites would be positioned 317 miles above the planet, and inclined 35 degrees relative to the equator, according to the report. With the photo voltaic panels deployed, every microsatellite may have a wingspan of 5.5 ft. Each of the satellites will undergo further testing early in 2016. Hence, NASA and space researchers are specifically drawn to the new ideas of improved weather forecasting and tracking systems to help save lives and protect humanity.
