Launch weather forecast
Posted: April 9, 2003

 Forecast for Thursday, April 10

Issued: Wednesday, April 9
Launch Weather Officer: Jim Sardonia, 45th Weather Squadron

Synoptic Discussion: "A strong low-pressure center and associated cold front will push into Central Florida today bringing rainshowers, scattered thunderstorms and gusty wind. Some of these storms may be strong with isolated pockets receiving significant rainfall amounts, high gusts and frequent lightning. On Thursday, skies will become partly cloudy, however surface winds will remain gusty throughout the launch countdown and window.

"The main concern for launch day (Thursday evening) will be the chance of peak winds at the 90-foot level at SLC 36B greater than the 25 knot launch constraint."

Clouds: Scattered cumulus at 3,000 feet with 2/8ths sky coverage and tops at 6,000 feet; Scattered cirrus at 25,000 feet with 3/8ths sky coverage and tops at 26,000 feet

Visibility: 7 miles

Launch Pad Winds: Westerly from 270 degrees at 14 gusting to 24 knots (as measured at 90 foot tower)

Temperature: 63 to 65 degrees F

Relative Humidity: 70 percent

Weather: None

Solar Activity: Low

Probability of Violating Weather Constraints: 30 percent

Concerns: Winds greater than 25 knots

 

 Forecast for Friday and Saturday

Friday's Probability of Violating Constraints: < 10 percent
Concerns: Slight chance of winds greater than 25 knots

Saturday's Probability of Violating Constraints: < 10 percent
Concerns: Cumulus clouds

 

Flight data file
Vehicle: Atlas 3B (AC-205)
Payload: AsiaSat 4
Launch date: April 10, 2003
Launch window: 8:09 to 9:21 p.m. EDT (0009-0121 GMT on 11th)
Launch site: Complex 36B, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Satellite broadcast: Galaxy 3, Transponder 1, C-band

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