After the CYGNSS Microsatellites Reach Orbit

Once CYGNSS reaches space today, the mission won’t begin right away. The microsatellites’ arrival in orbit kicks off a commissioning phase that could take up to two months. That time will be spent checking out each microsatellite’s subsystems, maneuvering them into their proper positions within the CYGNSS constellation, and ensuring that ground elements and the spacecraft themselves are ready to begin collecting science data.