Andrew Yee[_1_]
May 10th 09, 10:00 PM
STS-125 Launch Weather Forecast
Vehicle: STS-125 Atlantis/HST SM4
Issued: 10 May 2009 / 1100Z (0700 EDT)
Valid: 11 May 2009 / 1741-1844Z (1341-1444 EDT)
Launch Weather Team: (321) 853-8484
Synoptic Discussion:
Due to dry conditions expected during the launch window on Monday, the
probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch was decreased to 10%. Hot, dry
conditions have persisted over Central Florida, but moisture is expected to
gradually increase over the next several days.
On launch day, the high pressure ridge will begin to gradually migrate south
of Central Florida, and a sea breeze will develop during the launch window.
Cumulus clouds and showers may develop along the sea breeze, but this
development will likely occur later in the day, after the launch window.
Our primary concern for launch is cumulus clouds developing along the sea
breeze. Weather looks less favorable on Tuesday due to a front moving into
the area causing a chance for isolated thunderstorms, some which may be
strong. Wednesday, the front may linger in the area or just to the south,
causing concerns for Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) crosswinds, a low cloud
ceiling, and showers.
Clouds Coverage Bases (feet) Tops (feet)
Cumulus 4/8 Scattered 4,500 6,000
Cirrus 4/8 Scattered 25,000 27,000
Weather: None
Visibility: 7 miles
Wind: 120 deg @ 8 P 13KT (60 foot pad winds)
Temperature: 82 deg F RH: 59% Dewpoint: 66 deg F
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch: 10%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 0%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus clouds
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 24-hour delay: 40%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): Anvils, thunderstorms within 20NM of SLF
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 48-hour delay: 40%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): SLF crosswinds, low-cloud ceiling, showers/flight
through precipitation
Sunrise: 11/0634 EDT Sunset: 11/2004 EDT
12/0634 EDT 12/2004 EDT
13/0633 EDT 13/2005 EDT
Moonrise: 11/2242 EDT Moonset: 12/0858 EDT Illumination: 12 May: 89%
12/2330 EDT 13/0935 EDT 13 May: 82%
14/0013 EDT 14/1048 EDT 14 May: 74%
Next forecast will be issued: 11 May 2009, NLT 0600 EDT
Vehicle: STS-125 Atlantis/HST SM4
Issued: 10 May 2009 / 1100Z (0700 EDT)
Valid: 11 May 2009 / 1741-1844Z (1341-1444 EDT)
Launch Weather Team: (321) 853-8484
Synoptic Discussion:
Due to dry conditions expected during the launch window on Monday, the
probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch was decreased to 10%. Hot, dry
conditions have persisted over Central Florida, but moisture is expected to
gradually increase over the next several days.
On launch day, the high pressure ridge will begin to gradually migrate south
of Central Florida, and a sea breeze will develop during the launch window.
Cumulus clouds and showers may develop along the sea breeze, but this
development will likely occur later in the day, after the launch window.
Our primary concern for launch is cumulus clouds developing along the sea
breeze. Weather looks less favorable on Tuesday due to a front moving into
the area causing a chance for isolated thunderstorms, some which may be
strong. Wednesday, the front may linger in the area or just to the south,
causing concerns for Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) crosswinds, a low cloud
ceiling, and showers.
Clouds Coverage Bases (feet) Tops (feet)
Cumulus 4/8 Scattered 4,500 6,000
Cirrus 4/8 Scattered 25,000 27,000
Weather: None
Visibility: 7 miles
Wind: 120 deg @ 8 P 13KT (60 foot pad winds)
Temperature: 82 deg F RH: 59% Dewpoint: 66 deg F
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch: 10%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 0%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus clouds
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 24-hour delay: 40%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): Anvils, thunderstorms within 20NM of SLF
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 48-hour delay: 40%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): SLF crosswinds, low-cloud ceiling, showers/flight
through precipitation
Sunrise: 11/0634 EDT Sunset: 11/2004 EDT
12/0634 EDT 12/2004 EDT
13/0633 EDT 13/2005 EDT
Moonrise: 11/2242 EDT Moonset: 12/0858 EDT Illumination: 12 May: 89%
12/2330 EDT 13/0935 EDT 13 May: 82%
14/0013 EDT 14/1048 EDT 14 May: 74%
Next forecast will be issued: 11 May 2009, NLT 0600 EDT