STS-115 Launch Weather Forecast

Vehicle: STS-115, Atlantis
Issued: 9 September 2006/0900Z (0500 EDT)
Valid: 9 September 2006 1509 - 1520Z (1109 - 1120 EDT)
Launch Weather Team: 45th Space Wing, Patrick AFB, FL

Synoptic Discussion:
A surface high pressure area is located over the Eastern U.S., and the
surface front is south of Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Easterly flow is
building into the low levels over Central Florida, but the upper level
trough is still to the north, and mid- and upper-level winds are westerly.
With the lingering boundary to the south and an unstable atmosphere, there
is still a slight chance for isolated showers in the area near launch.
Afternoon thunderstorms will develop inland and migrate east toward KSC
after launch, but will likely remain to the west of KSC.

Our primary concerns for launch are cumulus clouds within 10NM of Complex
39B, isolated showers within 20NM of the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF).

Clouds Coverage Bases (feet) Tops (feet)

Cumulus 3/8 Scattered 2,000 4,000
Altostratus 2/8 Scattered 10,000 12,000
Cirrus 3/8 Scattered 25,000 26,000

Weather: None
Visibility: 7 miles
Wind: 030 deg @ 8 - 12 KT (60 foot pad winds)
Temperatu 80 F RH: 85% Dewpoint: 75 F

Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch: 20%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: N/A
Primary concern(s): Cumulus clouds within 10NM of 39B; showers within 20NM
of the SLF.

Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 24-hour delay N/A
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: N/A
Primary concern(s): N/A

Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 48-hour delay N/A
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: N/A
Primary concern(s): N/A

Sunrise: 9 / 0705 EDT Sunset: 9 / 1935 EDT

Moonrise: 8 / 2020 EDT Moonset: 9 / 0902 EDT Illumination: 8-9 Sept. 97%
9 / 2054 EDT 10 / 1011 EDT 9-10 Sept. 92%

Next forecast will be issued: As required