CYGNSS

Nasa is constructing a next-generation constellation of eight microsatellites in Texas, to monitor hurricanes from space.

Named Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS), the mission will help the agency improve its hurricane forecasting capabilities.

The satellites will measure ocean surface winds in and near the eye wall of tropical cyclones, typhoons and hurricanes, to advance methods of forecasting.

CYGNSS will use direct and reflected signals from GPS satellites to calculate surface wind speeds over the ocean. It will allow scientists to study the inner core of hurricanes from space and make better predictions of hurricane tracks, intensities and storm surges.

CYGNSS and GPS satellites will transmit a new image of wind speeds every few hours during tropics, Nasa said.

"CYGNSS and GPS satellites will transmit a new image of wind speeds every few hours during tropics."

The CYGNSS mission recently completed two Nasa reviews, and is underway for integration, testing and preparation of microsatellites for flight.

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University of Michigan, Ann Arbor CYGNSS principal investigator Chris Ruf said: "These reviews were a major milestone for CYGNSS, marking the end of the detailed design and planning stages of the mission and the beginning of flight hardware assembly.

"We are now in the last phase of the mission prior to launch and the beginning of a new era in hurricane observations."

With a weight of around 64lb, each microsatellite will be stacked for testing in early 2016.

An Orbital ATK Pegasus XL expendable rocket will launch the satellite system later the same year, with plans to commence scientific operations in 2017.

Image: An artistic impression of Nasa’s CYGNSS system. Photo: courtesy of Nasa.