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Launch timeline - Chart with times and descriptions of events to occur during the launch.

Launch windows - Listing of the daily launch times for MESSENGER to lift off.

Weather forecast - The latest forecast for launch day conditions.

Ground track - See the trajectory the rocket will follow during its flight.

MESSENGER - Technical description of the probe's instruments and systems.

Science objectives - Overview of MESSENGER's scientific goals to provide a better understanding of Mercury.

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Delta 2 rocket - Overview of the Delta 2-Heavy 7925H-model rocket used to launch MESSENGER.

SLC-17 - The launch complex where Delta rockets fly from Cape Canaveral.

Delta directory - See our coverage of previous Delta rocket flights.




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Launch weather forecast
Posted: July 30, 2004

 Forecast for Monday, August 2

Issued: Friday, July 30
Launch Weather Officer: Joel Tumbiolo, 45th Weather Squadron

Synoptic Discussion: "Drier and breezy southeast flow today will lead to early sea breeze development and quick inland penetration. Hence thunderstorm activity Fri-Sat will be widely scattered, and mainly over inland and western Florida. The overall drier conditions will be temporary, as moisture levels are expected to again increase by Sunday. Surface winds will turn more south-southwest on Sunday which will result in a later, slower moving sea breeze. This also favors thunderstorm activity on the eastern side of Florida.

"On launch day, the main concern will be the conditions at the time of MST Rollback. During the launch window, any activity should be over the Gulf Stream, will a chance of a shower or thunderstorm approaching from the south-southwest."

Clouds: Scattered at 3,000 feet with 3/8ths sky coverage and tops at 10,000 feet; Broken at 28,000 feet with 5/8ths sky coverage and tops at 30,000 feet

Visibility: 10 miles

Launch Pad Winds: Southerly from 180 degrees at 8 gusting to 12 knots

Temperature: 78 to 80 degrees F

Relative Humidity: 90 percent

Weather: Showers and Thunderstorms in the vicinity offshore

Probability of Violating Weather Constraints: 30 percent

Concerns: Anvil Cloud Rule, Cumulus Cloud Rule, flight through precipitation

 

 24- and 48-hour Delay Forecasts

Tuesday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 30 percent
Concerns: Anvil Cloud Rule, Cumulus Cloud Rule and flight through precipitation

Wednesday's Probability of Violating Constraints: N/A
Concerns: N/A

 

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