Weather Factors Affecting Rocket Operations: A Review and Case History

Abstract

The research reviews the impact of weather factors on rocket operations, particularly at the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan, emphasizing the need for advanced nowcasting facilities and effective research programs. It discusses a specific incident during the inaugural flight of the H-1 launch vehicle, where a thunderstorm unexpectedly occurred just before launch, underscoring the challenges of obtaining reliable weather forecasts for rocket launches. A qualitative forecast checklist is proposed to improve predictions of similar maritime storms in the future.