Global Precipitation Measurement update

Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) is an international cooperative program whose objectives are to (a) increase understanding of rainfall processes, and (b) make frequent rainfall measurements on a global basis. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Japanese Aviation Exploration Agency have entered into a cooperative effort for the formulation and development of GPM. This effort represents a continuation of the partnership that developed the highly successful Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). Several activities discussed within this paper reflect the maturity of the project formulation activities that have been completed and forms a basis for the anticipated receipt of approval to begin project implementation during the forthcoming year.