Meteorological Range Support Requirements and Implications for the Future of Shuttle Operations.

Abstract : The addition of a landing facility at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and an increased launch rate for the Space Shuttle required a significant change in meteorological requirements. The joint USAF-NASA efforts for improved support are discussed, including past efforts and future plans. Meteorological constraints to Shuttle operations are presented, forecasting benefits of the various systems are reviewed and weather impacts on specific missions are discussed. Keywords: Weather forecasting; Space shuttle; Missile launches; Weather sensitivities.