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Starlink-L27 - L-3 Days

Falcon 9

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Valid Period

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

Issued

Thu May 6, 2021 at 12:30 UTC (08:30 ET)

Forecast Discussion

Space Launch Delta 45

Surface cold front that is moving across the Space Coast this morning will continue southward across Florida through the day on Friday. Behind the boundary, high pressure will work its way across all of Florida bringing slightly cooler temperatures and onshore winds. Skies are expected to clear with perhaps only a few stray cumulus clouds across the area…and most of those will likely remain out over the coastal waters. The primary weather concern for launch day is the Cumulus Clouds Rule. In the event of delay, the weather doesn’t change very much across the Space Coast region. High pressure remains in control across the area but the surface pressure gradient tightens slightly producing a bit stronger winds. Clouds are not expected to be very widespread over the area but there will be a slight increase from Sunday morning. Winds are expected to increase over the Space Coast region as well as the recovery area. The primary concerns are the Cumulus Clouds Rule and 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