SpaceX Falcon 9 Launching from Cape Canaveral by SpaceX is likely to be delayed due to bad weather.
SpaceX is scheduled to conclude the work week on Friday evening with a Falcon 9 launch. However, the possibility of late afternoon thunderstorms in the Space Coast region could delay the liftoff.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch is scheduled to begin its launch window at 5:12 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Eastern Daylight Time. The payload will comprise a pair of commercial communication satellites intended for SES.
First, we will dig into,
How is the weather looking today?
According to the Space Force forecasters, the likelihood of favorable liftoff conditions was estimated to be only 20%.
According to the forecasters at Space Launch Delta 45, it is anticipated that Friday will be the most active day of the week. This is due to the development of a low-pressure system in the United States’ southeastern region. This is expected to pull a cold front into the Florida peninsula. Late afternoon and evening will witness the development and progression of strong to isolated severe storms through the spaceport.
Forecasters said:
“On Saturday, the pattern favors another round of afternoon/evening showers and storms, but overall coverage will likely not be as high as Friday,”. “The main concerns are the same concerns as Friday associated with the convection.”
Moreover, there are some launch considerations Like:
How will the Falcon 9 launch going to be affected by the risk of lightning?
The main launch considerations are the presence of cumulus and anvil clouds, which are typically associated with thunderstorms that may generate lightning. In the event of lightning within a 10-mile radius, Falcon 9 will be required to remain grounded until a launch opportunity with more favorable weather conditions becomes available.
The first-stage booster will aim for a landing attempt on an Atlantic Ocean-based drone ship shortly after liftoff and a flight toward the east. There was a “low-risk” weather advisory for the recovery operations.
Now, if you are wondering,
What’s the mission’s purpose?
Two additional communications satellites will be launched into orbit by the SpaceX Falcon 9 mission for Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES. Upon achieving orbit, the O3b mPower 3 and 4 satellites, constructed by Boeing, will facilitate the provision of internet connectivity across the world.
Another query that might pop up in your head is,
When will we have a chance to fall back?
If there is a delay in SpaceX Falcon 9 launch to Saturday at a similar time, the conditions appear to be consistent with a 20% chance of proceeding.
Summary:
Thunderstorms may delay SpaceX Falcon 9 Friday launch from Cape Canaveral. There is only a 20% chance of favorable launch conditions, according to forecasters at Space Launch Delta 45, due to a low-pressure system developing in the southeastern region of the United States. The launch, which is intended to deploy two commercial communication satellites for SES, will be rescheduled for a later date if lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Launching Details:
Launch Friday, April 28
Company / Agency: SpaceX for SES
Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9
Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
Launch Window: 5:12 p.m. to 6:40 p.m. EDT
Trajectory: East-Northeast
Weather: 20% “go”
Landing: Drone ship
Live coverage: Starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com
About: The Luxembourg company SES will use a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to launch the O3b mPower 3 and 4 satellites. The main purpose of the satellites is to connect to the internet.
