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USSF-52 - L-1 Day

Falcon Heavy

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Valid Period

Dec 10, 2023 01:14 - 01:24 UTC (20:14 - 20:24 ET)

Issued

Sun Dec 10, 2023 at 14:30 UTC (09:30 ET)

Forecast Discussion

Space Launch Delta 45

A strong frontal system will move through Central Florida this evening, creating scattered showers, and isolated thunderstorms with a threat of strong winds. The cold front is expected to sweep through the Space Coast overnight, clearing away most of the cloud cover, but breezy, northerly winds are expected to continue behind the front. The sole launch weather concern for a Monday evening attempt will be Liftoff Winds. On Tuesday, the winds will increase and become more easterly as the pressure gradient tightens. This will also bring in more cloud cover from the Atlantic, adding a slight Thick Cloud Layers concern to the increasing Liftoff Wind threat.

Primary Launch Date

Launch Day

Primary Window

75%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Liftoff Winds

Additional Risk Criteria

CriteriaRisk Level
Upper-Level Wind ShearLow-Mod
Solar ActivityLow

Backup Opportunities

24-Hour Delay

Backup Window

60%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Liftoff Winds
  • Thick Cloud Layer Rule

Additional Risk Criteria

CriteriaRisk Level
Upper-Level Wind ShearLow-Mod
Solar ActivityLow