The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory is a joint mission of NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It is the centerpiece of the Global Precipitation Measurement mission, a cooordinated international satellite network designed to provide near real-time global observations of rain and snow every three hours. GPM Core Observatory will provide observations on all types of precipitation between 65 degrees north latitude and 65 degrees south latitude. Future componenets of GPM will include measurements of soil moisture, the carbon cycle, winds, and aerosols. Source: NASA-NSSDCA Master Catalog