CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — The Atlas V launch of the Radiation Belt Storm Probes spacecraft has a 70% weather chance for launch at 4:07 a.m. EDT on Friday August 24, 2012.
Launch managers completed a readiness poll and gave a “go” to load cryogenic propellants into the Atlas V rocket. Liftoff is targeted for the beginning of a 20-minute launch window at 4:07 a.m. EDT. There is a 70 percent chance of acceptable weather conditions at launch time, with a slight concern for thick clouds.
The Atlas V will carry Radiation Belt Storm Probes into space from Space Launch Complex-41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
The USAF 45th Weather Squadron says that meteorological models are indicating less chance for cloud cover; therefore, the probability of violating weather constraints decreased to 30%.
The primary concern for launch Friday morning is a thick cloud rule violation. Friday evening, easterly flow will set in as the front washes out and Tropical Storm Isaac moves into the Caribbean near Hispaniola, potentially as a category 1 hurricane. The primary concerns for a Saturday morning launch will be coastal showers causing a cumulus cloud violation.
IMAGE CREDIT: NASA
VIDEO: NASA TV
