KT Explains: How and why the earths weather can affect rocket launches to outer space

5 weather attributes that can affect a rocket launch, as shared by the UAE's Team Hope Probe.

Unstable weather conditions in Japan have delayed the scheduled launch time of the UAE's Hope probe twice. The country has been reeling under devastating rains and flooding, with heavy rainstorms forecast to continue in southern and central Japan.

The Hope probe team on Wednesday revealed the weather attributes that can affect a rocket launch. These are:

-Lightning and thunderstorms

-Rain

-Temperature

-Clouds

-Wind speeds.

Weather conditions play a central role in ensuring a safe rocket launch to space due to its impact on the upper atmosphere. Even though weather is monitored, the viability for a liftoff changes from day to day.

Omran Sharaf, project director of the Emirates Mars Mission, had on Tuesday explained the different factors that affect a rocket launch. "When a rocket launches, it goes through different layers in the atmosphere. It's not just about the rain and wind but also about cloud density and humidity and many different factors that we need to assess."

Why foul weather affects rocket launches

Weather is the only aspect that space mission teams can't control. Wind speeds that violate the launch criteria could potentially push rockets off-course, while freezing weather can jam instruments.

According to Nasa, lightning strikes could short-circuit the electronics, including guidance and navigation systems. The payload electronics - equipment and scientific experiments - could be adversely affected as well.

Source: Nasa

When are missions given a no-go?

Nasa had specified specific launch weather criteria for SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that carried the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft.

Lightning and thunderstorms

It's a no-go if the launch site is:

sahim@khaleejtimes.com