Launched jointly in 1997 by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) is a satellite mission
that placed a unique suite of instruments, including the first precipitation radar, in space. These instruments are
used to monitor and predict tropical cyclone tracks and intensity, estimate rainfall, and monitor climate variability
(precipitation and sea surface temperature). TRMM has been collecting data for seven years; this data is used
by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, the National Center for Environmental Prediction, and the National
Hurricane Center, among others worldwide. In July 2004, NASA announced that it would terminate TRMM in
August 2004. At the request of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the White
House, and the science community, NASA agreed to continue TRMM operations through the end of 2004.
Meanwhile, NASA asked a National Research Council (NRC) committee to provide advice on the benefits of
keeping TRMM in operation beyond 2004. After holding a workshop with a number of experts in the field, the
committee found that TRMM will contribute significantly to operations and science if the mission is extended;
and therefore, strongly recommends continued operation of TRMM with the caveat that cost and risk will need to
be further examined before a final decision about the future of TRMM can be made.
- FrontMatter
- Prologue
- Acknowledgments
- Contents
- Executive Summary
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Decision Context
- 3 Achievements of TRMM to Date
- 4 Anticipated Contributions of TRMM
- References
- Appendixes
- A Committee Biographies
- B Statement of Task
- C Workshop Agenda
- D Workshop Participants andOther Contributors
- E Letter from World Climate Research Programme/WMO to Administrator O’Keefe (NASA) and Dr. Yamanouchi (JAXA), July 6, 2004
- F Letter from Rep. Boehlert to Dr. Marburger, July 22, 2004
- G Letter from Rep. Lampson to President Bush, July 23, 2004
- H Letter from Vice Admiral Lautenbacher to Administrator O’Keefe, July 23, 2004
- I Letter from Administrator O’Keefe to Vice Admiral Lautenbacher, August 3, 2004
- J Abbreviations
- K Examples of Improvements in Tropical Cyclone Nowcasting Gained from TRMM
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