Good morning from Cape Canaveral, where we are hoping the weather will cooperate with today’s #SpaceX #Falcon9 #Starlink launch!
I spy a #SpaceX #Falcon9 rocket ready to liftoff no earlier than 9:49 a.m. from CCAFS LC-40. Weather is still only 50% “go”, though...
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 10%Primary concern(s): Cumulus Cloud Rule
Now targeting Wednesday, January 29 at 9:06 a.m., 14:06 UTC, for launch of Starlink due to poor weather in the recovery area
Just spoke with @FloridaStorms Meteorologist @ray_hawthorne: Upper level winds could continue to plague #SpaceX #Starlink launch attempts. ULW up to 115 mph tomorrow, and could increase throughout the week.
ULW's really does encompass and impact a large area of the map.
Forecast for tomorrow's #SpaceX Starlink launch, slated for liftoff at 0906 ET (1406 UTC): 80% "go," according to the 45th. Upper-level winds expected to be 110 knots at 35,000 ft.
We finally have a weather forecast for tomorrow! 80% chance of acceptable launch conditions, but upper-level winds at 100 kts bear watching. #SpaceX #Falcon9 #Starlink
Forgive me. I'm sure this has been discussed before and I know there's a better place for it but .....I've noticed citing upper level wind speed (most recently in the preceding posts) among data points affecting Launch Weather Constraints. And from credible sources which suggests caution in questioning....
While the primary consideration with the upper level wind speed is the shear it creates as the Falcon 9 ascends through the dense lower atmosphere, historically Falcon 9 missions encountering upper level winds in the low-90 knot range or below have been fine while the mid-90 knot range provides concern yet wiggle room.Upper-90 knot and above speeds for the upper level winds almost always result in a scrub and recycle for Falcon 9 flights.Just some of the things that make upper level winds incredibly mission-specific include the payload mass, Falcon 9 trajectory, the angle at which the winds intersect the vehicle during ascent, whether or not the Falcon 9 is flying a payload fairing, at what time in the flight the greatest shear from the upper level winds will be encountered, etc.All of that makes it quite difficult for the upper level winds to be included in the percent of violation forecast issued by the 45th Weather Squadron.Instead, the Squadron provides day-of upper level wind data from weather balloons to the SpaceX launch team, which in turn makes the decision as to whether or not the winds are acceptable for flight.
Falcon 9 poised during sunset for Wednesday morning launch attempt. VIEWING GUIDE: Best places to watch in person! launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_…
Tracking indicates that Tug Hawk has released OCISLY from her tow and has now retreated to a safe distance. GO Quest remains with the droneship for final preparations.
Countdown clocks are running for 0906 ET Starlink launch.
Falcon 9 and Starlink are looking good ahead of this morning’s launch at 9:06 a.m. EST, 14:06 UTC, and weather is 80% favorable. Webcast will go live ~15 minutes before liftoff → spacex.com/webcast
