New Zealand’s space program doesn’t get a lot of attention, but this week saw a kiwi-based rocket launch two satellites into orbit on behalf of NASA.

The satellites are part of a program to monitor hurricanes and typhoons. Smaller than the regular weather satellites currently used, they’re capable of flying over a storm every hour rather than every six hours, increasing the data available to meteorologists.

The information gathered on rainfall, temperature and humidity will help predict the impact of major storms.

Another launch in a couple of weeks will add another two of the satellites to complete a small constellation.

US company Rocket Lab operates the launch facility based on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula. It includes a launch pad, vehicle integration facility and a range control centre for the company’s Electron launch vehicle, which is optimised for small satellite launches.

References

Space.com Rocket Lab launches 2 NASA satellites to study tropical storms and hurricanes like never before

Rocket Lab 'Rocket Like a Hurricane' Launch YouTube