Launch Day Forecasting
The Project Meteorologist typically arrives an hour before official “show time” in
order to begin forecasting for the launch attempt. A final climb out and trajectory
forecast is produced, then safety files are distributed as necessary. Forecasting is
very detail oriented, and is a continuous process that requires reviewing the latest
model data, checking available satellite and radar images, monitoring the current
weather conditions at the launch site and surrounding areas, and measuring lowlevel wind conditions by releasing pilot balloons (PiBal). This task involves near
constant communication with the Crew Chief and Campaign Manager, and there
are many informal weather briefings throughout the launch attempt.
Hand plotted surface charts are another critical tool that the Meteorologist uses
on launch day. These are generally issued hourly. Synoptic surface observations
around the launch site are plotted on a map, typically indicating wind speed and
direction, atmospheric pressure, temperature, dew point, and cloud cover. The
Project Meteorologist analyzes the surface chart, and the hand plotted lines of
constant pressure (the isobars) to check the pressure gradient at the launch site and
surrounding areas.
Post-Launch Forecasting
Once the balloon is launched, the Project Meteorologist will monitor the balloon
until it achieves float altitude to provide emergency descent vectors if necessary.
He also provides input to the Crew Chief about ballasting and/or valving. When
the decision is made to terminate the flight the descent vectors will be calculated.
Prior to descent, notices will also be created for CONUS flights to be distributed
to the FAA. Impact area forecasts are provided to the recovery team.
After Float Predictions
For longer flights, updated trajectory predictions will be issued daily. Required
safety files will be generated and distributed as necessary. Cloud cover forecasts
for the flight path will be produced and the balloon performance predictions will
be made using this forecast.
Other in-flight weather data is provided to the science team throughout the
flight, such as forecast soundings and lightning forecasts. Post-flight weather data
such as satellite imagery may be provided to the science team after the flight has
been completed.
4.2.4 NWS/FAA Coordination
Depending on the launch site, either the CSBF OCC or the ROCC will monitor the
weather. In addition to monitoring the weather and winds from local NWS broadcasts and services, this may involve sending up weather balloons locally.
4.2 Mission Operations 73
The Project Meteorologist typically arrives an hour before official “show time” in
order to begin forecasting for the launch attempt. A final climb out and trajectory
forecast is produced, then safety files are distributed as necessary. Forecasting is
very detail oriented, and is a continuous process that requires reviewing the latest
model data, checking available satellite and radar images, monitoring the current
weather conditions at the launch site and surrounding areas, and measuring lowlevel wind conditions by releasing pilot balloons (PiBal). This task involves near
constant communication with the Crew Chief and Campaign Manager, and there
are many informal weather briefings throughout the launch attempt.
Hand plotted surface charts are another critical tool that the Meteorologist uses
on launch day. These are generally issued hourly. Synoptic surface observations
around the launch site are plotted on a map, typically indicating wind speed and
direction, atmospheric pressure, temperature, dew point, and cloud cover. The
Project Meteorologist analyzes the surface chart, and the hand plotted lines of
constant pressure (the isobars) to check the pressure gradient at the launch site and
surrounding areas.
Post-Launch Forecasting
Once the balloon is launched, the Project Meteorologist will monitor the balloon
until it achieves float altitude to provide emergency descent vectors if necessary.
He also provides input to the Crew Chief about ballasting and/or valving. When
the decision is made to terminate the flight the descent vectors will be calculated.
Prior to descent, notices will also be created for CONUS flights to be distributed
to the FAA. Impact area forecasts are provided to the recovery team.
After Float Predictions
For longer flights, updated trajectory predictions will be issued daily. Required
safety files will be generated and distributed as necessary. Cloud cover forecasts
for the flight path will be produced and the balloon performance predictions will
be made using this forecast.
Other in-flight weather data is provided to the science team throughout the
flight, such as forecast soundings and lightning forecasts. Post-flight weather data
such as satellite imagery may be provided to the science team after the flight has
been completed.
4.2.4 NWS/FAA Coordination
Depending on the launch site, either the CSBF OCC or the ROCC will monitor the
weather. In addition to monitoring the weather and winds from local NWS broadcasts and services, this may involve sending up weather balloons locally.
4.2 Mission Operations 73