As you would imagine there is a whole lot more to a rocket launch weather forecast than “what’s the chance of rain on my BBQ?”.

There are over ten rules for launch weather, not just at the liftoff site but at over 50 locations for splashdown recovery and rescue in the ocean up the U.S. Atlantic Coast from America to Ireland.

Everything from ocean waves to cloud types, precipitation, cloud thickness, wind shear and electric field all come into play and can change at the last minute.

The 45th Weather Squadron at nearby Patrick Air Force Base will give the final weather GO/NO GO late this afternoon for PAD 39A.

Making this mission more complex is it requires a precise launch at 4:33 pm due to orbit considerations of the International Space Station. They can’t just wait out bad weather with a broad launch window as some missions can.

As of now the primary weather threats are the cumulus cloud type rule, anvil cloud rule and flight through precipitation rule.

Remember the launch odds ONLY cover the launch site not weather and wave conditions elsewhere.

SPACEFLIGHT NOW:

If it must be cancelled the next backup dates are this Saturday and Sunday with a 60% GO forecast as of now.

For more follow me on Twitter @MellishMeterWSB.

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