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StarlinkV1.0-L17 - L-2 Days

Falcon 9

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Valid Period

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

Issued

Fri Feb 26, 2021 at 13:00 UTC (08:00 ET)

Forecast Discussion

Space Launch Delta 45

The axis of high pressure over the western Atlantic will remain across the Florida peninsula into Saturday, keeping the broad frontal zone across the Mid-South north of Florida. The Spaceport will see continued warm and generally dry weather through Saturday, with a steady increase in the prevailing onshore flow. The ridge axis will move just south of the area by Sunday, shifting prevailing flow out of the south-southwest and holding the Atlantic sea breeze closer to the east coast. This will set up the afternoon sea breeze collision near the coastal counties. While models have trended towards a much drier environment, still expect an increase in cumulus clouds with a few drifting back towards the Spaceport after sunset. The primary weather concerns for the Sunday evening launch attempt will be these cumulus clouds along with liftoff winds in the increased southeasterly flow. Models are in better agreement this morning as to the timing of the next frontal boundary, now having it reach Central Florida, though very weak, Monday evening. This will bring a small increase in local rain chances, along with increasing cloud cover. The primary weather concerns for a backup launch attempt Monday evening will be thick clouds and cumulus clouds.

Primary Launch Date

Launch Day

Primary Window

80%
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

Additional Risk Criteria

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