[Launch Alert] L-3 Media Update: ULA Atlas V Landsat 9 Mission Set to Launch Sept. 27

[Launch Alert]

The following are excerpts from a ULA media update issued this afternoon:
 
 
"Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the Landsat 9 mission for NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey. The mission is planned to lift off on Mon., Sept. 27 at 11:11 a.m. PDT from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Today’s forecast shows a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch.
 
Please see the Atlas V Landsat 9 mission profile video here. https://youtu.be/n4k2qf9hhGE
 
Pre-launch processing photos can be found here. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/albums/72157719569142468
 
Launch Forecast Summary:
 
Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 10%
Primary concerns: Liftoff Winds
 
Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24-hour delay: 40%
Primary concern: Liftoff Winds
 
Launch Broadcast
 
Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 10:30 a.m. PDT on Sept. 27 and will broadcast live on NASA TV.
 
Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com
 
Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch; hashtags #AtlasV #Landsat #Landsat9"
 
 
Although the Atlas V is a large and powerful rocket, daylight Atlas V launches are difficult to see with the unaided eye beyond about 15 statute miles. Monday's launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 3 on south Vandenberg. Although I have been covering aerospace news for a long time, SLC-3 is the only launch pad I have ever seen in person.
 
Brian Webb
Launch Alert Editor