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Mission Status



Launch of the Lockheed Martin Atlas 2AS rocket is scheduled for Thursday evening from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The 33-minute launch window opens at 8:45 p.m. EDT.

Forecasters are predicting a 100 percent chance of favorable weather.


Check the status center for complete coverage.


Mission Briefing




Launch timeline - Chart with times and descriptions of events to occur during the launch.

Weather forecast - The latest forecast for launch day conditions.

Launch hazard area - The restricted area during liftoff.

Ground track - See the trajectory the rocket will follow during its flight.

Orbit insertion - Illustration of Superbird 6's trek to geostationary orbit.

Superbird 6 - Overview of the Japanese satellite payload.

Atlas 2AS vehicle data - Description of rocket being used in this launch.

Atlas directory - See our coverage of previous Atlas rocket flights.




Launch weather forecast
Posted: April 14, 2004

 Forecast for Thursday, April 15

Issued: Wednesday, April 14
Launch Weather Officers: Johnny Weems and Mike McAleenan, 45th Weather Squadron

Synoptic Discussion: "Stormy weather Monday and Tuesday change to dry, cooler conditions on Wednesday as high pressure builds in. Fair weather and dry conditions will continue through the remainder week as the winds gradually shift from a Northerly to an Easterly direction.

"There are no weather concerns for launch day."

Clouds: Few at 2,000 feet with 1-2/8ths sky coverage and tops at 5,000 feet

Visibility: 7 miles

Launch Pad Winds: North-northeasterly from 020 degrees at 10 to 15 knots

Temperature: 62 degrees F

Relative Humidity: 65 percent

Weather: None

Solar Activity: Very low levels with a chance of low-level activity

Probability of Violating Weather Constraints: 0 percent

Concerns: None
 

 Forecast for 24- and 48-hour delays

Friday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 10 percent
Concerns: Coastal shower, thick clouds

Saturday's Probability of Violating Constraints: Less than 10 percent
Concerns: Coastal shower
 

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