Back to Forecasts

AST Bluebird 7 - L-2 Days

New Glenn

View PDF

Valid Period

Apr 19, 2026 10:45 - 12:45 UTC (06:45 - 08:45 ET)

Issued

Fri Apr 17, 2026 at 12:30 UTC (08:30 ET)

Forecast Discussion

Space Launch Delta 45

Forecast Discussion: A surface ridge of high pressure extending from Bermuda through Central Florida will remain nearly stationary through tomorrow, resulting in mainly dry weather with a westward-moving seabreeze each afternoon. The ridge axis will weaken and get suppressed south as a front approaches the area Sunday, with this front moving across Central Florida on Monday. Generally favorable launch weather conditions are anticipated ahead of the front with a combination of shallow cumulus clouds and higher cirrus clouds locally early Sunday; however, the backup launch opportunity offers a significantly higher risk of unacceptable launch weather conditions with the front in the neighborhood and winds increasing immediately behind this boundary.

Primary Launch Date

Launch Day

Primary Window

90%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Cumulus Cloud Rule
  • Thick Cloud Layers Rule

Additional Risk Criteria

CriteriaRisk Level
Solar ActivityLow

Backup Opportunities

24-Hour Delay

Backup Window

50%
PGO

Primary Concerns

  • Liftoff Winds
  • Cumulus Cloud Rule
  • Thick Cloud Layers Rule

Additional Risk Criteria

CriteriaRisk Level
Solar ActivityLow