Approximately one-third of the launches are delayed or scrubbed due to adverse weather. According to Mr. William Roeder, 45th Weather Squadron's Chief, operations Support Flight, the launch weather teams would benefit from improved lightning sensing and warning. The system displays a suite of weather products in real-time. The LDAR detects and maps both the in-cloud lightning flashes and the discharges to the ground. It depicts a horizontal and vertical cross section of radar data through intense thunderstorm activity.
Red colors indicate heavy precipitation, while the more blue colors indicate lighter rain.
The OTD data are available 12-24 hours following collection for retrospective analysis and validation studies. Based on responses obtained from forecasters, the total lightning measurements provided by the LDAR were extremely valuable for identifying the existence, intensity, growth, and dissipation of thunderstorms. There are cases where the cloud is electrically active even after the final discharge to ground occurs. Total lightning information adds considerable confidence to the safety margin forecasters include in their aviation products. Total lightning measurements with high temporal resolution can also be used to specifically address the risk of injury from lightning strokes.