Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Weather problems

There are concerns with a higher than expected tailwind for takeoff. The vehicle needs a real long runway to get off the ground. Because of the tailwind, officials have determined he would need an extra 1,400 or so feet to get the plane in the air.

That's according to Sir Richard Branson, the mission's benefactor.

If Fossett would not get to takeoff speed fast enough, and Fossett had to abort, he needs to make a call midway down the runway so he has enough room left to stop the airplane. Also, because KSC's shuttle runway is grooved, Branson said there are fears that is plane gets moving too fast, it could blow a tire.

Fossett plans to go ahead and get in the aircraft. He'll sit there and hope the winds change direction a little bit.

As of right now, the temperature is 52 but the team says it could be OK to fly even if the temperature rises to 54 degrees.

The bottom line: weather is going to be a close call.

If they do not get off today, they will have to take a look at the weather conditions for tomorrow before making any decisions about what to do next.

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