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| Space1 is establishing a series of rocket launch guidelines for upcoming summer missions |
Based on the physical rocket configuration, a no tolerance for wind and breeze is in effect. This will prevent wind shear forces acting on the rocket to push it off the mission trajectory. It will also prevent weather cocking, an effect where the wind pushes the rocket to a tilt configuration leading it far off course. Yearly regional weather studies show times when wind and breezes are absent. This may happen in the morning and evening, and in some months during the afternoon. One best time is mid afternoon when air flow becomes hot and cells move straight up, which compliments the directional rocket motion. The most unpredictable time is seasonal during the Monsoon period, when rain and earthquakes are prevalent. As the period subsides, weather changes from day to day, and often changes in a matter of minutes, going from a clear sky to wind and rain.
While it's possible to launch rockets in the rain, it's highly not recommended, as the external flight computer trinary components and gene modded occupants, parachute, plus telemetry electronics are not waterproof and permanent failures may occur. The PIONEER HEAVY rocket is made up of Transwall material which is waterproof. The walls are not a concern, nor is the pressurized fuel fed S1 engine, but the peripherals are.
There are several possibilities for wind and breeze determinations along the path of the rocket. A smoke trail rocket may be launched and the observed smoke trail will show the wind patterns if any. A balloon launched will take a flight pattern according to any gradient wind. A dropped test parachute will drift according to wind. It's also possible to launch a small precursor rocket loaded with a tracer fuel that leaves a mark as the fuel is consumed, that can dedicate its life in the determination of air flow from the ground on up to high altitude. Such a rocket can have an extremely light weight and float harmlessly back down to the Earth without a parachute with no fear of injuring bystanders or harming property. If this type of rocket is not recovered, it won't matter as the cost is almost free. Near ground level, a weather sock can determine air flow, and any nearby trees will have leaves that do the same.
