NASA 

Technical 

Memorandum 

9 NASA TM-82572 

'b 

ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT FOR SPACE SHUTTLE 

(STS-9) LAUNCH 

By D. L. Johnson, C. K. Hill, 

and G. W. Batts 

Systems Dynamics Laboratory 

January 1984 

-82572) ~~~Q~PE~~~~~N~~EOB 2484-24047 

SPACE SHUTTLE (STS-9) LAUNCBE (NASA) 42 p 

86: B03/i%P A01 CSCL 043 

Uncfa s 

G3/47 18969 I 

4 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

George C. Marshall Space Flight Center 

MSFC - Form 3190 (Rev. May 1983) 
Januar 1984 Atmospheric Environment for Space Shuttle (STS-9) Launch 6. PERFORM,NG o~GANIZATION 

George C. Marshall Space Flight Center 

Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama 35812 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

Washington, D . C . 20546 

Technical Memorandum 

I 

15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 

Prepared by Systems Dynamics Laboratory , Science and Engineering 

"Computer Sciences Corporation, Huntsville, Alabama 

16. ABSTRACT 

This report presents a summary of selected atmospheric conditions observed 

near Space Shuttle STS-9 launch time on November 28, 1983, at Kennedy Space 

Center, Florida. 

visual observations (cloud), and winds aloft are included. The sequence of prelaunch Jimsphere measured vertical wind profiles is given in this report. 

meteorological tape, which consists of wind and thermodynamic parameters versus 

altitude, for STS-9 vehicle ascent has been constructed. 

meteorological data tape has been constructed by Marshall Space Flight Center in 

response to Shuttle task agreement No. 561-81-22-368 with Johnson Space Center. 

Values of ambient pressure, temperature, moisture, ground winds, 

The final 

The STS-9 ascent 

17. KEY WORDS 

STS-9 Launch Atmospheric Summary 

Pressure 

Temperature 

Relative Humidity 

Winds, Winds Aloft, Clouds 

SRB Descent Atmospheric Summary 

19. SECURITY CLASSlF. (d this rsPat> 20. SECURITY CLA! 

18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT 

Unclassifivd - Unlimited 

;IF. (of thin pee) 21. NO. OF PAGES 22. PRICE 

1 NTIS I 41 Unclassified Unclassified I 

For sale by National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

The authors wish to thank the personnel at NASA Kennedy Space Center, along 

with those at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and their Pan American World 

Airways contractors, for the acquisition and distribution of all related atmospheric 

data received at MSFC. 

Thanks are due to Dr. James Arnold, Gary Jedlovec, and David Keller of the 

Atmospheric Effects Branch, MSFC, for their help in extracting atmospheric data and 

satellite cloud photographs that are used in this report. 

Messrs. Bill Jeffries, Bobby Vayda, and Joe Willett of Computer Sciences Corporation 

for their assistance in processing all the upper air data used in producing the STS-9 

final meteorological data tapes. Finally , appreciation is expressed to Rhonda Gregory 

and Sherry Anderson of Boeing Computer Support Services for the GRA model and 

ESDB computer support, respectively. 

Also, special thanks to 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page 

I . INTRODUCTION ...................................................... 

I1 . SOURCES OF DATA .................................................. 

I11 . GENERAL SYNOPTIC SITUATION AT LAUNCH TIME ................... 

IV . SURFACE OBSERVATIONS AT LAUNCH TIME ......................... 

V . UPPER AIR MEASUREMENTS DURING LAUNCH ........................ 

A . Wind Speed ...................................................... B . Wind Direction ................................................... C . Prelaunch /Launch Wind Profiles .................................. D. Thermodynamic Data ............................................. E . SRB Upper Air and Surface Measurements ........................ 

VI . ATMOSPHERIC SUMMARY CONDITIONS FOR STS LAUNCHES ........... 

REFERENCES ................................................................. 

1 

1 

1 

2 

2 

3 

35 

iii 

\ 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

Figure 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

Title Page 

Surface synoptic chart 4 hr prior to launch of STS-9 ............... 25 

500 mb map 4 hr prior to launch of STS-9 .......................... 26 

GOES-5 visible imagery of cloud cover at time of launch of 

STS-9 (1600 UT, November 28, 1983). 500-mb contours and 

wind barbs are also included for 1200 UT ........................... 27 

Enlarged view of GOES-5 visible imagery of cloud cover with 

exhaust trail visible (indicated by arrow) taken at time of 

launch of STS-9 (1600 UT, November 28, 1983). Surface 

temperatures and wind barbs for 1600 UT are also included 

Scalar wind speed and direction at launch time of STS-9 

........... 28 

............ 29 

STS-9 prelaunch/launch Jimsphere-measured wind speeds (FPS) ...... 30 

STS- 9 prelaunch /launch Jimsphere-measured wind 

directions (degrees) ................................................ 31 

STS- 9 prelaunch /launch 

winds (FPS). Flight azimuth = 35 degrees .......................... 32 

STS- 9 prelaunch /launch Jimsphere-measured out-of-plane 

sphere-measured in-plane component 

component winds (FPS). Flight azimuth = 35 degrees ................ 33 

STS-9 temperature profiles versus altitude for launch (ascent) ...... 34 

iv 
LIST OF TABLES 

Table Title Page 

1. Systems Used to Measure Upper Air Wind Data for STS-9 

Ascent ............................................................. 4 

2. Surface Observations at STS-9 Launch Time ........................ 5 

3. STS-9 Pre-Launch Through Launch KSC Pad 39A 

6 

7 

Meteorological Measurements ........................................ 

4. STS-9 Meteorological Data Tape Ascent ............................. 

5. Selected Atmospheric Observations for the Flight Tests 

of the Space Shuttle Vehicles ....................................... 24 

V 
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM 

P 

ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT FOR SPACE SHUTTLE (STS-9) LAUNCH 

I. INTRODUCTION 

This report presents an evaluation of the atmospheric environmental data taken 

during the launch of the Space Shuttle/STS-9 vehicle. 

was launched from Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida, on a bearing 

of 35 deg east of north at 1600 UT (1100 EDT) on November 28, 1983. 

This Space Shuttle vehicle 

This report presents a summary of the atmospheric environment at launch time 

The general weather situation for 

(L+O) of the STS-9, together with the sequence of prelaunch Jimsphere measured 

winds aloft profiles from L-14 hr through liftoff. 

the launch and flight area is described, and surface and upper level wind/thermodynamic observations near launch time are given. 

unavailable for STS-9 duty, the SRB descent/impact atmospheric data were not taken. 

However, one can use the STS-9 ascent data for SRB studies, as the best substitute. 

Since the ship Redstone was 

Previous MSFC-related launch vehicle atmospheric environmental conditions have 

been published as Appendix A of individual MSFC Saturn Flight Evaluation Working 

Group reports [ 11. Office memorandums have been issued for previous flights giving 

launch pad wind information. A report has also been published [ 21 which summarizes 

most launch atmospheric conditions observed for the past 155 MSFC /ABMA-related 

vehicle launches through SA-208 (Skylab 4). Reports summarizing ASTP , STS-1, 

STS-2, STS-3, STS-4, STS-5, STS-6, STS-7, and STS-8 launch conditions are 

presented in References 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, respectively. 

11. SOURCES OF DATA 

Atmospheric observational data used in this report were taken from synoptic 

maps made by the National Weather Service, plus all available surface observations 

and measurements from around the launch area. 

from balloon-released instruments sent aloft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station 

(CCAFS) . Super-Loki rocketsondes launched from the CCAFS. Table 1 presents a listing of 

systems used to obtain the upper level wind profiles used in compiling the final 

ascent meteorological data tape. Data cutoff altitudes are also given in Table 1. 

Upper air observations were taken 

High-altitude winds and thermodynamic data were measured by the 

111. GENERAL SYNOPTIC SITUATION AT LAUNCH TIME 

A cold front, extending out of a low pressure area in Iowa, was passing 

through eastern Georgia and western Florida just prior to STS-9 liftoff. 

influence of high pressure over eastern Florida was weakening as this front 

approached. Moderate, southerly winds bringing in warm temperatures and humid 

conditions prevailed throughout the early morning countdown period. 

presents the surface map conditions 4 hr before STS-9 launch. Figure 2 presents 

The 

Figure 1 
the winds aloft conditions at the 500 mb pressure level 4 hr before launch. 

westerly to westerly winds dominated the flow aloft over the KSC Florida area. 

SouthCloudiness increased throughout the morning of November 28, 1983, with the 

source being the frontal system located to the north and west of KSC. 

presents the GOES-5 visible picture taken at liftoff (1600 UT). 

sisting of 1/10 cumulus at 2500 ft, 3/10 stratocumulus at 5,500 ft and 10/10 cirrostratus at 30,000 ft were present during launch. Figure 4 shows an up-close visible 

shot of the Florida peninsula as recorded by GOES-5, taken at 1600 UT. 

Figure 3 

Overcast skys conIV. SURFACE OBSERVATIONS AT LAUNCH TIME 

Surface observations at launch time for selected KSC locations are given in 

Table 2. 

observations. 

Included are pad 39A, shuttle runway, and CCAFS balloon release station 

Neither precipitation nor lightning was observed at launch time. 

Table 3 presents Pad 39A wind data along with other standard hourly meteorological measurements and sky observations for the 6-hr period prior to launch of 

STS-9. Values for wind speed and direction are given for the 84 m (275 ft) FSS 

reference level and 18 m (60 ft) pad light pole level. 

V. UPPER AIR MEASUREMENTS DURING LAUNCH 

The FPS-16 Jimsphere (1615 UT), MSS Rawinsonde (1604 UT), Super-Loki 

Rocketsonde (1800 UT), and Super-Loki Robin (1900 UT) systems were used to 

measure the upper level wind and thermodynamic parameters for STS-9 launch. 

altitudes above the rocket-measured data, the Global Reference Atmosphere (GRA) 

[ 121 parameters for November KSC conditions were used. 

final meteorological data for ascent is presented in Table 4 which lists the wind and 

thermodynamic parameters versus altitude. A brief summary of parameters is given 

in the following paragraphs. 

At 

A tabulation of the STS-9 

A. Wind Speed 

At launch time, wind speeds were 19.1 ft/sec (11.3 kn) at 60 ft and increased 

to a maximum of 117 ft/sec (69 kn) blowing from 252 deg. 

at an altitude of 47,100 ft (14,356 m). 

in Figure 5. 

ft (49,987 m) altitude. 

This maximum occurred 

The winds increased above this level as shown 

The overall maximum measured speed was 249 ft/sec (147 kn) at 164,000 

B. Wind Direction 

At launch time, the 60-ft wind direction was from the south (183 deg) and 

shifted through the southwest to become a westerly component above 33,000 ft (10,058 

m). Winds remained in the winter-westerly regime at all measureable altitudes above 

this level. Figure 5 shows the complete wind direction versus altitude profile. 

shown in Figure 5, wind direction became quite variable at altitudes with low wind 

speeds. 

As 

2 
C . Prelaunch /Launch Wind Profiles 

Prelaunch/launch wind profiles presented in Figures 6 through 9 were measured 

by the Jimsphere FPS-16 system. Data are shown for the L-11 hr, L-7.25 hr, L-3.5, 

and L+O measurement periods. 

The wind speed and direction profiles for the 11-hr period prior to and including L+O are shown in Figures 6 and 7. The in-plane (right crosswind) and out-ofplane (left crosswind) profiles are given on Figures 8 and 9. The wind speeds and 

component speeds were not significantly different from the November mean values in 

the 30,000 to 50,000 ft layer during the period for which data are shown. 

D Thermodynamic Data 

The thermodynamic data taken at STS-9 launch time, consisting of atmospheric 

The vertical structemperature, dew-point temperature, pressure, and density have been compiled as the 

STS-9 ascent meteorological data and are presented in Table 4. 

ture of temperature for the STS-9 ascent is shown graphically versus altitude in 

Figure 10. 

The atmospheric thermodynamic parameters of temperature, pressure, and 

All these parameters 

density, measured during STS-9 launch below 113,000 ft (34,442 m) were all within 

6 percent of their respective PRA-63 [ 131 annual values. 

stayed within 19 percent of their respective PRA-63 values, at all levels of measurement. 

E. SRB Upper Air and Surface Measurements 

As has been mentioned in the introduction, since there was no ship available, 

an SRB descent meteorological data tape has not been constructed. 

values for the ascent meteorological tape as presented in Table 4 should be used for 

SRB descenthmpact studies since it is the closest measured data source. 

The tabular 

VI. ATMOSPHERIC SUMMARY CONDITIONS FOR STS LAUNCHES 

Given in Table 5 are selected atmospheric L+O launch conditions for all the 

Space Shuttle launches. 

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Frontal, and Precipitation Patterns are Shown in Standard 

Symbolic Form. 

Figure 1. Surface synoptic chart 4 hr prior to launch of STS-9. 

25 
500 Millibar Height 

Contours at 1200 UT 

November 28, 1983. 

Continuous Lines Indicate Height Contours In Feet 

Above Sea Level. Dashed Lines are Isotherms In 

Degrees Centigrade. Arrows Show Wind Direction 

and Speed at the 500 NIB Level. 

Figure 2. 500 mb map 4 hr prior to launch of STS-9. 

26 
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34 
REFERENCES 

. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

Saturn Flight Evaluation Working Group : Saturn Launch Vehicle Flight Evaluation Report - Appendix A - Atmosphere (A separate report is prepared for 

each Saturn vehicle launch operation). George C . Marshall Space Flight Center, 

Alabama. 

Johnson, D. L. : 

of MSFC/ABMA Related Aerospace Vehicles. 

1973. 

Summary of Atmospheric Data Observations for 155 Flights 

NASA TM X-64796, December 5, 

Johnson, D . L . : Atmospheric Environment for ASTP (SA-210) Launch. NASA 

TM X-64990, February 1976. 

Johnson, D. L., Jasper, G., and Brown, S. C.: Atmospheric Environment 

for Space Shuttle (STS-1) Launch. NASA TM 82436, July 1981. 

Johnson, D. L. and Brown, S. C. : 

(STS-2) Launch. NASA TM 82463, December 1981. 

Atmospheric Environment for Space Shuttle 

Johnson, D. L., Brown, S. C., and Batts, G. W.: Atmospheric Environment 

for Space Shuttle (STS-3) Launch. NASA TM 82480, April 1982. 

Johnson, D. L., Hill, C. K., and Batts, G. W. : Atmospheric Environment for 

Space Shuttle (STS-4) Launch. NASA TM 82498, July 1982. 

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Space Shuttle (STS-5) Launch. NASA TM 82515, March 1983. 

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Space Shuttle (STS-6) Launch. NASA TM 82529, May 1983. 

Johnson, Do L., Hill, C. K., and Batts, G. W. : Atmospheric Environment for 

Space Shuttle (STS-7) Launch. NASA TM 82542, July 1983. 

Johnson, D. L., Hill, C. K., Turner, R. E., and Batts, G. W. : Atmospheric 

Environment for Space Shuttle (STS-8) Launch. NASA TM 82560, October 1983. 

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Mod 3 (with Spherical Harmonic Wind Model). NASA CR-3256, March 1980. 

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Florida, Annual (1963) Revision). NASA TM X-53139, September 23, 1964. 

35 
APPROVAL 

ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT FOR SPACE SHUTTLE (STS-9) LAUNCH 

By D. L. Johnson, C. K. Hill, and G. W. Batts 

The information in this report has been reviewed for technical content. 

of any information concerning Department of Defense or nuclear energy activities or 

programs has been made by the MSFC Security Classification Officer. This report, 

in its entirety, has been determined to be unclassified. 

Review 

Acting-Chief , Atmospd-dric Effects Branch 

and Chief, Atmospheric Sciences Division 

Director, Systems Dynamics Laboratory 

36 *U.S. G O V E R N M E N T P R I N T I N G OFF ICE 1984-764-07Ol182