Serving as part of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, an international network of satellites that provide next-generation global observations of rain and snow, the GPM “Core Observatory” satellite carries an advanced radar / radiometer system to measure precipitation from space and serve as a reference standard to unify precipitation measurements from a constellation of research and operational satellites. The GPM mission builds upon the success of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). Through improved measurements of precipitation globally, the GPM mission is helping to advance our understanding of Earth's water and energy cycles, improve forecasting of extreme events that cause natural hazards and disasters, and extend current capabilities in using accurate and timely information of precipitation to directly benefit society.
