Back to Forecasts

NROL-108 - L-1 Day

Falcon 9

View PDF

Valid Period

Dec 17, 2020 14:00 - 17:00 UTC (09:00 - 12:00 ET)

Issued

Wed Dec 16, 2020 at 13:00 UTC (08:00 ET)

Forecast Discussion

Space Launch Delta 45

A strong cold front is currently moving though the Florida Panhandle and will push through Central Florida overnight. On Thursday, high-pressure will build in bringing cooler, drier air to the Space Coast. Winds will turn northerly and become gusty by afternoon while cloud cover clears through the day. The primary weather concerns for Thursday are Liftoff Winds and the Thick Cloud Layer Rule associated with any lingering frontal cloudiness. On Friday, cloud cover will be much diminished over the Spaceport, but gusty northeasterly winds will remain due to the strength of the high-pressure area. The primary weather concern Friday is Liftoff Winds.

Primary Launch Date

Launch Day

Primary Window

70%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Liftoff Winds
  • Thick Cloud Layer Rule

Additional Risk Criteria

CriteriaRisk Level
Upper-Level Wind ShearModerate
Booster Recovery WeatherLow
Solar ActivityLow

Backup Opportunities

24-Hour Delay

Backup Window

80%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Liftoff Winds

Additional Risk Criteria

CriteriaRisk Level
Upper-Level Wind ShearModerate
Booster Recovery WeatherModerate
Solar ActivityLow