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KSC END OF MISSION LANDING WEATHER FLIGHT RULES
The end of mission landing weather forecast is prepared by the NOAA National
Weather Service Spaceflight Meteorology Group in Houston for the astronauts,
Flight Director and Mission Management Team. All criteria refer to observed
and forecast weather conditions. Decision time for the deorbit burn is 70 -
90 minutes before landing. The weather criteria are:
Cloud coverage of 4/8 or less below 8,000 feet and a visibility of 5 miles
or greater required.
The peak cross wind cannot exceed 15 knots, 12 knots at night. If the
mission duration is greater than 20 days the limit is 12 knots, day and
night.
Headwind cannot exceed 25 knots.
Tailwind cannot exceed 10 knots average, 15 knots peak.
No thunderstorm, lightning, or precipitation activity is within 30
nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility.
Detached opaque thunderstorm anvils less than three hours old must not be
within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility, or within 10
nautical miles of the flight path when the orbiter is within 30 nautical
miles of the runway.
Turbulence must be less than or equal to moderate intensity.
Consideration may be given for landing with a "no go" observation and a
"go" forecast if at decision time analysis clearly indicates a continuing
trend of improving weather conditions, and the forecast states that all
weather criteria will be met at landing time.
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