# Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission

> joint space mission between NASA and JAXA

**Wikidata**: [Q2001116](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2001116)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_Rainfall_Measuring_Mission)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tropical-rainfall-measuring-mission

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission:

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## Summary  
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) was a joint space mission between NASA and JAXA designed to monitor tropical rainfall and weather patterns. Launched in 1997, it was the first satellite dedicated to measuring precipitation in the tropics using advanced radar and microwave sensors. TRMM provided critical data for weather forecasting, climate research, and disaster monitoring until its decommissioning in 2015.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: November 27, 1997, at 21:27 UTC ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367)).  
- **Launch Vehicle**: H-II rocket (flight number H-II-6F) from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Pad 1 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367)).  
- **Operators**: Joint mission by NASA (USA) and JAXA (Japan).  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1997-074A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8447)).  
- **Class**: Weather satellite, specifically designed for tropical rainfall measurement ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q177837)).  
- **NAIF ID**: -107 ([reference](https://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/pub/naif/toolkit_docs/C/req/naif_ids.html)).  
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch marked as a key milestone ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367)).  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission?  
A: TRMM aimed to measure tropical rainfall and related weather phenomena using advanced sensors, improving weather forecasting and climate research.  

### Q: When was TRMM launched and decommissioned?  
A: It launched on November 27, 1997, and was decommissioned in 2015 after 17 years of operation.  

### Q: Which organizations were involved in TRMM?  
A: NASA (USA) and JAXA (Japan) jointly operated the mission.  

## Why It Matters  
TRMM revolutionized the study of tropical rainfall by providing the first high-resolution, global measurements of precipitation in the tropics. Its data improved weather prediction models, enhanced understanding of climate systems like El Niño, and aided disaster response by tracking hurricanes and floods. TRMM's instruments, such as the Precipitation Radar (PR) and Microwave Imager (TMI), set new standards for satellite-based rainfall observation. The mission also paved the way for future collaborations like the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, ensuring continuity in climate monitoring.  

## Notable For  
- **First dedicated tropical rainfall satellite**: Pioneered global precipitation measurement in the tropics.  
- **Advanced sensors**: Combined radar and microwave instruments for accurate rainfall data.  
- **Longevity**: Operated for 17 years, far exceeding its initial 3-year design life.  
- **Collaborative model**: Set a precedent for NASA-JAXA partnerships in Earth observation.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
- Joint NASA-JAXA project launched in 1997 to study tropical rainfall.  
- Primary instruments: Precipitation Radar (PR) and TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI).  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Launch Vehicle**: H-II rocket (variant H-II-6F).  
- **Launch Site**: Yoshinobu Launch Complex Pad 1, Japan.  
- **NAIF ID**: -107, used for spacecraft identification in NASA's SPICE toolkit.  

### Operational History  
- Active from 1997 to 2015.  
- Key milestone: Successful launch on November 27, 1997.  

### Legacy  
- Data integrated into global climate models and disaster monitoring systems.  
- Direct predecessor to the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/pub/naif/toolkit_docs/C/req/naif_ids.html)