GPM Launch Party Kit Planning

 

 

Planning your GPM Launch Event

 

Use the resources below to host your GPM launch event! Follow these easy steps and pick what works for you.

1. Watch the GPM Launch
2. Join the Online Discussion
3. Give a Talk about GPM
4. Hands-On Activities
5. Provide GPM Handouts
6. Watch GPM Videos
7. Set up a Weather Photo Gallery
8. Invite Local Speakers

 

1. Watch the GPM Launch

Tune in on NASA TV to watch the launch and attend the press conference. It's just like you're there! The launch is currently scheduled for 1:37 pm (EST) on February 27th 2014, but please continue to check this website and social media for potential updates as the launch draws closer. http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

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2. Join the Online Discussion

Stay up to date on the latest GPM news and connect with us by following us on Twitter and Facebook!

• Follow us on Twitter at @NASA_Rain
  • Use the hashtag #GPM to discuss the event with other Tweeters.
• "Like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/NASA.Rain

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3. Give a Talk about GPM

Use the resources below, and other resources on this website, to educate people about the Global Precipitation Measurement mission and its goals. 

• A ready-to-go PowerPoint presentation that includes photos, videos, and talking points: Download Here (.zip, 164 MB)
• An all video (no audio) playlist that you can load into your media player that will accompany your talk. Includes talking points: Download Here (.zip, 343.7 MB)

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4. Provide Hands-On Activities

• Edible Model: Participants will learn the purpose of the GPM mission, the parts of the satellite and their functions and build an edible model of the satellite. 
• Paper Model: Participants will build a paper model of the GPM Core Observatory and learn about the technology the satellite will use to measure precipitation from space.
• GPM Activities Sheet: Label and color a GPM water cycle droplet, match up the parts of the satellite with what they do, and do a word search for vocabulary related to the satellite. Could be a stand-alone activity, or combined with either the paper or edible model above.
• Make a Rain Gauge: An engineering challenge – how does one measure rain accurately? Students will build and test their own rain gauge out of simple recycled materials.
• Building for Hurricanes: In this engineering design challenge, students build a tower to resist a simulated hurricane.
• For more activities please see our Rain EnGAUGE Activities Menu

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5. Provide GPM Hand-outs

• GPM Mission Brochure: This 17 page flyer provides an overview of the GPM Mission. It describes the technologies used to measure precipitation, the mission's scientific goals and societal applications.
• GPM Lithograph: An informational lithograph / handout which shows images of the GPM Core Observatory and constellation satellites, and explains the goals and methods of the GPM mission.
• Water Cycle Droplet Handout: Educational handout in the shape of a raindrop. The front shows a diagram of the water cycle, and the back has information about GPM and facts about water.
• Description from Paper Model: The accompanying information sheet has details about the systems in the satellite including the Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR), the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI), the High Gain Antenna, avionics and star trackers, propulsion system and solar array, as well as a math connection and additional engineering challenges.

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6. Watch GPM Videos

• GPM Mission

  • GPM Overview: This video, "Our Wet Wide World", provides an overview of the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission and its goals.
  • Launch Animation: This animation shows the launch and deployment of the GPM Core Observatory. GPM is scheduled to launch in 2014 on an H-IIA rocket in Japan.
  • GPM Beauty Pass: A variety of animated fly-by's of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core spacecraft
  • GPM Constellation: Animation that demonstrates the global coverage of the GPM Constellation of satellites.

• GPM Applications

  • The Fresh(water) Connection: In this promotional video NASA scientists discuss why it is so important to study and track Earth's freshwater resources, and explain the purpose of the Global Precipitation Measurement mission.
  • For Good Measure: The short video explains why scientists turn to satellites to get a worldwide view of rainfall.
  • Too Much, Too Little: Researchers need accurate and timely rainfall information to better understand and model where and when severe floods, frequent landslides and devastating droughts may occur, and GPM’s global rainfall data will help provide that information.
  • Hurricanes Beyond the Tropics: Hurricane Irene's impact in New England shows that tropical cyclones can greatly affect regions outside the view of TRMM. The GPM mission will build upon TRMM's legacy by examining a larger swath of Earth with more sensitive instruments.
  • Anatomy of a Raindrop: Contrary to popular belief, raindrops are not tear shaped and are actually shaped like the top of a hamburger bun, round on the top and flat on the bottom. This new video from GPM explains why.

• Faces of GPM

  • Dr. Dalia Kirschbaum, GPM Applications Scientist: Interview with Dr. Dalia Kirschbaum, research physical scientist and GPM Applications Scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
  • Professor Steve Nesbitt, GPM Ground Validation Scientist: Profile of Steve Nesbitt, a professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Illinois and a mission scientist on GPM ground validation field campaigns.
  • Engineers: Interview with several key engineers who help build and test the GPM Core Observatory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

• GPM Engineering and Testing

  • Engineering Next Generation Observations of Rain and Snow: Overview of the engineering behind building and testing the GPM Core Observatory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
  • GPM Takes a Spin on the High Capacity Centrifuge: The GPM Core Observatory being tested on the High Capacity Centrifuge at Goddard Space Flight Center.
  • GPM Core Observatory Enters Thermal Vacuum Chamber: Watch the GPM Core Observatory being lowered into the Thermal Vacuum Chamber, which simulates the harsh conditions of space. Includes neat facts about GPM and the testing process.
  • GPM Solar Array Deployment Test: This and other similar tests will verify the deployment function of the GPM Core Observatory solar arrays in ambient condition.
  • GPM's Journey to Launch: GPM embarks on its 7,300-mile journey from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center to the launch site at Tanegashima Space Center, Japan. 
  • More Videos: Browse our Youtube playlist, or visit the GPM Scientific Visualization Studio to download all out movies in high-resolution. 

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7. Set Up a Weather Photo Gallery

Set up your own photo gallery of weather phenomenon to inspire people and showcase the beauty of precipitation! You can use your own photos, ask people for submissions, or use some of ours. Here are some links to get you started:

• GPM Image Gallery
• GPM "Extreme Weather" Photo Contest Winners
• GPM "Let it Snow" Photo Contest Winners
• GPM Flickr Group
• TRMM Extreme Weather Updates (satellite imagery of precipitation)

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8. Invite Local Speakers

• Meteorologists: Contact your local news station.
• Water resource managers: Contact irrigation specialists or your state or local land managing agencies.
• Earth Scientists: Contact your local university atmospheric science departments.
• Climate Scientists: Contact your local university's natural resource department.
• Educators/Teachers: Contact science teachers at your local school.
• Ecologists: Contact through your local university's biology or ecology department.