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NROL-108 - L-1 Day

Falcon 9

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Valid Period

Dec 19, 2020 14:00 - 17:00 UTC (09:00 - 12:00 ET)

Issued

Fri Dec 18, 2020 at 13:00 UTC (08:00 ET)

Forecast Discussion

Space Launch Delta 45

Today will be a chilly one across Central Florida with mostly clear skies and gusty northerly winds. On Saturday, winds will become easterly and weaken as the high-pressure center moves north towards the Mid-Atlantic. These onshore winds will bring clouds that develop over the warmer waters towards the Space Coast. The primary weather concern for an attempt Saturday is cumulus clouds associated with these coastal showers. On Sunday, a low-pressure system will move into the northern Gulf of Mexico, bringing clouds to Central Florida as it moves towards the peninsula. These clouds will increase in coverage and thickness through the day Sunday. The primary weather concern for a Sunday attempt is the Thick Cloud Layer Rule.

Primary Launch Date

Launch Day

Primary Window

90%
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

  • Thick Cloud Layer Rule

Additional Risk Criteria

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