NASA Mission Update -TRMM

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) was a joint mission between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) that operated from 1997 to 2015. TRMM was designed to study and monitor tropical rainfall and its associated processes on a global scale.

The mission's primary instrument was the Precipitation Radar (PR), which provided detailed measurements of precipitation within storm systems. TRMM also carried a suite of passive microwave radiometers to measure the intensity and distribution of rainfall, as well as a Visible and Infrared Scanner (VIRS) to observe cloud properties.

TRMM significantly advanced our understanding of tropical rainfall patterns, severe weather phenomena, and the global water cycle. The data collected by the mission helped to improve weather forecasts, climate models, and water resource management strategies.

While the TRMM mission ended in 2015, its legacy and impact on tropical rainfall research continue to influence future satellite missions and scientific investigations.