Is that the shortest available fairing?
ULA's Atlas V launch of NROL-42 from VAFB still on track for 10:38 pm Pacific Time Sept 21, though weather is only 40% favorable.
Assuming a planar launch window, in the event of a launch delay, the time of launch will move earlier by 4 to 5 min. per day.
L-2 Day Forecast – 19 Sep 2017:T-0 Forecast: A deep trough will move over the range on Thursday throughout the count, with the center of the trough passing over SLC-03 by T-0. This lower pressure will begin to mix out the marine layer and cause stronger surface winds. Throughout the count, the remnants of the marine layer will cause a slight reduction in visibility with patchy fog. Additionally, low stratus and stratocumulus will be present by T-0. Winds will be out of the northwest between 12 – 15 knots with gusts to 20 knots at the surface. Temperatures will be between 55F and 60F at T-0. Max upper level winds will be out of the west at 95 knots from 39,000 to 40,000 feet. The current space weather index is at standard background levels. Overall POV is 40% with Launch Visibility and Ground Winds being the constraints of concern.
#NROL42 Mission Patch depicts a grizzly bear in motion, representing the unceasing motion of a satellite along its orbital path.
In case you were wondering:Quote#NROL42 Mission Patch depicts a grizzly bear in motion, representing the unceasing motion of a satellite along its orbital path.https://twitter.com/natreconofc/status/910576611379994625
L-1 Day Forecast – 20 Sep 2017:T-0 Forecast: A deep trough will move over the range on Thursday throughout the count, with the center of the trough passing over SLC-03 by T-0. This lower pressure will begin to mix out the marine layer and cause strong surface winds. Throughout the count, the remnants of the marine layer will cause a slight reduction in visibility with patchy fog. Additionally, low stratus and stratocumulus will be present by T-0. Winds will be out of the northwest between 15 – 18 knots with gusts to 25 knots at the surface. Temperatures will be between 55F and 60F at T-0. Max upper level winds will be out of the west at 100 knots from 37,000 to 38,000 feet. The current space weather index is at standard background levels. Overall POV is 40% with Launch Visibility and Ground Winds being the constraints of concern.
The #AtlasV stands 196 feet tall or about 20 stories and weighs more than 1 million pounds fully fueled. #NROL42