STS-120 Launch Weather Forecast
Vehicle: STS-120, Discovery
Issued: 22 October 2007/ 1100Z (0700EDT)
Valid: 23 October 2007/ 1533 - 1547Z (1133 ? 1147EDT)
Synoptic Discussion: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are affecting the coastal area this morning.
This afternoon, the east coast sea breeze will push inland allowing for favorable weather for the Rotating Service
Structure retract operations. A decrease in atmospheric moisture over Kennedy Space Center will also allow for
favorable weather during the external tank fueling operations tomorrow morning. By launch time, high pressure will
be located off of the east coast of the U.S. causing south-southeasterly flow over Central Florida. With this weather
pattern, there is a threat of coastal showers, cumulus cloud development, and a low-cloud ceiling at the onset of
the east coast sea breeze near launch time. Our primary concerns for launch day are cumulus clouds,
showers, and a low-cloud ceiling. The upper-level low in the Central U.S. will most likely cut-off over the Texas
area, preventing the associated cold front from progressing toward Florida until no earlier than the end of the week.
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch: 60%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus clouds, showers, low-cloud ceiling.
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 24-hour delay: 40%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus clouds, showers.
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting launch for 48-hour delay: 40%
Probability of KSC weather prohibiting tanking: 10%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus clouds, showers.
