Back to Forecasts

Starlink-L27 - L-2 Days

Falcon 9

View PDF

Valid Period

May 9, 2021 05:42 - 07:34 UTC (01:42 - 03:34 ET)

Issued

Fri May 7, 2021 at 12:30 UTC (08:30 ET)

Forecast Discussion

Space Launch Delta 45

High pressure has begun to work its way across central Florida in the wake of frontal passage overnight Thursday. Northwesterly low level winds are bringing in slightly cooler and drier air to the Space Coast. The high pressure ridge is expected to remain in control of the weather across central Florida into the weekend and should provide favorable conditions for the primary launch day. It is possible that there will be some cumulus clouds out over the water during the launch attempt. At this time, these clouds do not appear to pose a significant threat for lift off. The main weather concern for the primary day will be from the Cumulus Cloud Rule. In the event of a delay, a storm system over the central US moves into the Mississippi Valley late Sunday into early Monday morning. As this happens, the surface pressure gradient tightens and this will cause winds to increase. This will occur both at the Space Coast as well as the recovery area. As with late Saturday/early Sunday, expect scattered cumulus clouds. The primary weather concerns for Monday morning are the Cumulus Cloud Rule as well as Liftoff Winds.

Primary Launch Date

Launch Day

Primary Window

80%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Cumulus Cloud Rule

Additional Risk Criteria

CriteriaRisk Level
Upper-Level Wind ShearLOW
Booster Recovery WeatherLOW
Solar ActivityLOW

Backup Opportunities

24-Hour Delay

Backup Window

70%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Cumulus Cloud Rule
  • Liftoff Winds

Additional Risk Criteria

CriteriaRisk Level
Upper-Level Wind ShearLOW
Booster Recovery WeatherMOD
Solar ActivityLOW