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NROL-108 - L-3 Days

Falcon 9

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Valid Period

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

Issued

Mon Dec 14, 2020 at 13:00 UTC (08:00 ET)

Forecast Discussion

Space Launch Delta 45

A weak frontal system will move into Central Florida today, bringing in clouds, but only a slight chance of rain. This boundary will linger in the area allowing a wave to develop on it Tuesday, leading to continued mostly cloudy conditions. On Wednesday, the wave will strengthen into a low-pressure area, increasing chances of rain and creating a few isolated thunderstorms. Overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning, strong high-pressure system moving east from southern Texas will finally push the whole system out of the area. Winds will turn northerly and become gusty along the Space Coast as cloud cover slowly clears through the day Thursday. The primary weather concern for Thursday is liftoff winds and the Thick Cloud Layer Rule associated with the 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

60%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Liftoff Winds
  • Thick Cloud Layer Rule

Additional Risk Criteria

CriteriaRisk Level
Upper-Level Wind ShearModerate
Booster Recovery WeatherModerate
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