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USSF-8 - L-4 Forecast

Atlas V

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Valid Period

Jan 20 - Jan 21, 2022

Issued

Mon Jan 17, 2022 at 14:00 UTC (09:00 ET)

Forecast Discussion

Space Launch Delta 45

A stretch of cool, dry, and pleasant weather is expected through Thursday as high pressure shifts from the Gulf of Mexico into the western Atlantic. The next cold front is slated to approach the area Friday, though both its placement and timing is somewhat uncertain. While forecast models generally agree that the system will weaken as it approaches central Florida, moisture pooling along and ahead of the boundary will increase cloud cover through the day. Thus, the primary concerns for launch day are the Thick Cloud Layer and Cumulus Cloud Rules. Breezy onshore flow is expected to develop behind the front on Saturday, along with a small chance of shallow onshore moving showers.

Primary Launch Date

Launch Day

Primary Window

60%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Thick Cloud Layer Rule
  • Cumulus Cloud Rule

Additional Risk Criteria

CriteriaRisk Level
Upper-Level Wind ShearLow
Solar ActivityLow

Backup Opportunities

24-Hour Delay

Backup Window

70%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Cumulus Cloud Rule

Additional Risk Criteria

CriteriaRisk Level
Upper-Level Wind ShearLow
Solar ActivityLow