Status Report

STS-92 Launch Weather Forecast 10-04-2000

By SpaceRef Editor
October 4, 2000
Filed under

ISSUED: Wednesday, October 4, 2000

VALID: Thursday, October 5, 2000

Synopsis: Hurricane Keith is located in the Bay of Campeche moving
west-northwest toward the upper coast of Mexico. It should not be a factor
in launch operations either at KSC or Houston. The main concern for launch
day will be tropical moisture associated with a mid-level low pressure
disturbance currently centered in east central Florida. This will continue
to produce showers and clouds as it moves northeastward.

A significant cold front will move into central Florida late Saturday
replacing warm moist air with dry cool air. The primary concern on Friday
will be weather ahead of the cold front as it approaches central Florida.
The primary concern for a Saturday launch attempt will become strong wind
after the front passes through the local area. Heavy seas may also be a
concern in the solid rocket booster recovery area if delays bring the launch
into the weekend.

At the 9:38 p.m. launch time on Thursday:

Clouds: 4/8 – 5/8 scattered to broken at 3,000 feet – 7, 000 feet

4/8 -5/8 scattered to broken at 12,000 – 16,000 feet

3/8 – 4/8 broken 25,000 – 30,000 feet

Visibility: 7 miles

Wind at Launch Pad: SW at 8 – 12 knots SLF Winds: SW at 6 – 10
knots

Temperature: 78 degrees

Relative Humidity: 85%

Weather concerns: Chance of showers and low clouds

Probability of weather prohibiting launch: 40%

24-hour scrub: 40%

48-hour scrub: 60%

Solid rocket booster recovery area
Wind: WSW/12-15 knots Seas: 3-4 feet, higher in squalls Water Temp: 80
degrees

Sunrise: 7:17 a.m. Sunset: 7:03 p.m.

Launch Forecast by USAF 45th Wx Squadron, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
SLF Wind Forecast by Spaceflight Meteorology Group, Johnson Space Center

SpaceRef staff editor.