2016
Launch Date: December 15, 2016
Status: On-going
Main observation:
Understand the coupling between ocean surface properties, moist atmospheric thermodynamics, radiation, and convective dynamics in the inner core of a Tropical Cyclone (TC).
Science Objectives:
Measure ocean surface wind speed in all precipitating conditions, including those experienced in the TC eyewall.
Measure ocean surface wind speed in the TC inner core with sufficient frequency to resolve genesis and rapid intensification Secondary Science.
2018
Launch Date: May 22, 2018
Status: On-going
Main observation:
Monitoring freshwater resources.
Enhanced prediction skills for weather and climate.
Improved forecasting capabilities for drought and flood risk.
Improved predictions of flood potential.
Improved sea level change prediction and ocean current monitoring.
Better solid Earth monitoring.
Science Objectives:
To continue the high-resolution monthly global maps of Earth's gravity field and surface mass changes of the original GRACE mission over a period of five years.
To demonstrate the effectiveness of a novel Laser Ranging Interferometer (LRI) in improving the Satellite-to-Satellite Tracking (SST) measurement performance, laying the groundwork for improved future space-gravimetry missions.
Continue measurements of radio occultations for operational provision of vertical atmospheric temperature/humidity profiles to weather services.
2020
Launch Date: November 21, 2020
Status: On-going
Main observation:
To continue high precision ocean altimetry measurements in the 2020-2030 time-frame.
Science Objectives:
Collect high resolution vertical profiles of temperature, using the GNSS Radio-Occultation sounding technique.
Assess temperature changes in the troposphere and the stratosphere
Support Numerical Weather Prediction.
2021
Launch Date: September 27, 2021
Status: On-going
Main observation:
Understand environmental changes, forecast global crop production and respond to natural disasters.
Science Objectives:
Tracking water use in crop fields in the western United States.
Monitor deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
Measure the speed of Antarctic glaciers.
2026
Launch Date: 2026
Status: Future
Main observation:
Measurement of global sea level rise
Science Objectives:
Support operational oceanography through improved forecast of ocean currents, wind and wave condition.
Improvement in both short-term forecasting for weather predictions in the two-to-four-week range, and long-term forecasting for seasonal conditions.
Aid in weather predictions by providing detailed information about the layers in the atmosphere.