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StarlinkV1.0-L17 - L-1 Day

Falcon 9

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Valid Period

Feb 28, 2021 01:27 - 01:48 UTC (20:27 - 20:48 ET)

Issued

Sat Feb 27, 2021 at 15:00 UTC (10:00 ET)

Forecast Discussion

Space Launch Delta 45

High pressure stretching across the western Atlantic into Florida peninsula will bring another warm and dry day to the Spaceport. Expect a steady increase in prevailing southeasterly flow, especially with a diffuse sea breeze passage in the afternoon. Not too much change in the pattern as Sunday arrives, with just enough moisture for an increase in afternoon cumulus clouds enhanced by the sea breeze. The primary weather concerns for the Sunday evening launch attempt will be these cumulus clouds along with liftoff winds in the increased southeasterly flow. Uncertainty lingers for a Monday evening launch attempt as some differences remain regarding the speed of the next frontal boundary. While there is agreement that the weakening boundary will be moving through Central Florida Monday evening, there is still disagreement on how quickly. A conservative approach has the boundary on the doorstep of the Cape not too long after the launch window, so still expecting a small threat for showers along with increasing cloud cover. The primary weather concerns for a backup launch attempt Monday evening will be thick clouds and cumulus clouds associated with the boundary.

Primary Launch Date

Launch Day

Primary Window

90%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Cumulus Cloud Rule
  • Liftoff Winds

Additional Risk Criteria

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

Backup Opportunities

24-Hour Delay

Backup Window

70%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Thick Cloud Layer Rule
  • Cumulus Cloud Rule

Additional Risk Criteria

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