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Satnews Daily
March 1st, 2011

UPDATE — STILL GOOD — ULA Preps For An Open Window (Launch)


[SatNews] ULA announces the advertised opening of their launch window... that is tentatively set for Friday, March 4, at 3:39 EST. But this will be refined later in the week.  The weather forecast is looking a little dicey at this point for the launch of the Atlas V with the second Orbital Test Vehicle mission.

Here's the weather forecast, with an overall probability of violating weather constraints:  60 percent
Primary concern(s):  Ground Winds, Cumulus Clouds

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay:  60 percent Primary concern(s):  Ground Winds, Cumulus Clouds

Summary:
High pressure and fair weather over Central Florida today in advance of next cold front Tuesday afternoon and evening.  Isolated showers are expected with the front on Tuesday with a small lightning threat.  High pressure builds into the peninsula on Wednesday with the front stalling in South Florida and the Florida Straits.  Low level moisture coupled with strengthening Easterly winds introduces a morning isolated coastal shower threat each day through launch day.  For MLP roll, winds are expected from the East-Northeast gusting in the mid 20s (230 feet).  On launch day, the morning coastal shower threat and tight pressure gradient persist with Easterly winds gusting in the mid 20s. The primary concerns for launch day are gusty Ground Winds and Cumulus Clouds.

In the event of a 24-hour delay, high pressure retreats to the East with a persistent tight pressure gradient and breezy Southeasterly winds in advance of the next cold front on Sunday.  The primary concerns for a 24 hour delay are gusty Ground Winds and Cumulus Clouds.

Fingers crossed...