Spaceflight Now | Atlas Launch Report | Launch weather forecast

Mission Status

		The Atlas 3 rocket has successfully placed the Mobile Broadcasting Satellite into orbit. This was the 70th consecutive successful Atlas launch. Check the status center for complete coverage.

Mission Briefing

		Launch timeline - Chart with times and descriptions of events to occur during the launch. Weather forecast - The latest forecast for launch day conditions. Launch hazard area - The restricted area during liftoff. Ground track - See the trajectory the rocket will follow during its flight. Orbit insertion - Illustration of MBSAT's trek to geostationary orbit. MBSAT - Overview of the MBSAT spacecraft and mobile broadcasting system. Atlas 3A vehicle data - Description of rocket being used in this launch. The RD-180 - Facts and figures about the Russian-built engine to power Atlas 3 and 5. Atlas directory - See our coverage of previous Atlas rocket flights.

Launch weather forecast
Posted: March 10, 2004

Forecast for Friday, March 12

Issued: Wednesday, March 10
Launch Weather Officer: Johnny Weems, 45th Weather Squadron
Synoptic Discussion: "High pressure will produce breezy, dry conditions, cool nights and warm daytime temperatures. A weak cold front will pass approach the local area late Thursday, reinforcing the dry conditions.
"With winds weakening and dry conditions aloft, there are no weather concerns through Saturday."
Clouds: Scattered at 3,000 feet with 1-2/8ths sky coverage and tops at 5,000 feet; and Scattered at 26,000 feet with 1-2/8ths sky coverage and tops at 29,000 feet;
Visibility: 7 miles
Launch Pad Winds: Northwesterly from 310 degrees at 8 to 10 knots
Temperature: 57 degrees F
Relative Humidity: 70 percent
Weather: None
Solar Activity: Low
Probability of Violating Weather Constraints: Zero percent
Concerns: None

Forecast for Saturday and Sunday

Saturday's Probability of Violating Constraints: Zero percent
Concerns: None
Sunday's Probability of Violating Constraints: Less than 10 percent
Concerns: 90-foot level winds and increasing low clouds

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