NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission has completed 14 years of observations of rainfall in the tropics. Accomplishments derived from TRMM data include improved characterization of the mean distribution of rainfall and variations in both space and time; better characterization of rainfall associated with tropical cyclones, including vertical structure; a description of the diurnal variation of rainfall around the tropics; improvements to global and regional models; and applications related to floods and landslides.

TRMM has recently begun processing of Version 7 of the TRMM algorithms. Of particular note for V7 is that the microwave algorithm now uses information from the TRMM precipitation radar, instead of a cloud modeling data base, to derive rainfall estimates.

All instruments on TRMM continue to work well (except CERES, which was turned off after 6 months of operations) and the main life-limiting factor is remaining fuel. TRMM is expected to continue for about 2-3.5 more years based upon current fuel projections.