Melody C. Lovin, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron, speaks to members of the media during a prelaunch news conference with NASA, SpaceX and the 45th Weather Squadron leaders Thursday, Feb. 28, prior to the Saturday, March 2 launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program (CCP) mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, is scheduled to lift off from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A Saturday at 2:49 EST. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the uncrewed spacecraft on a mission designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the Commercial Crew Program spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations, such as the International Space Station.

A member of the 45th Weather Squadron out of Patrick Space Force Base releases a weather balloon from the deck of USS Portland prior to splashdown of the NASA’s Orion spacecraft for the Artemis I mission on Dec. 11, 2022.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Construction continues on the Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron being built in an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida. The new site will replace one at Patrick Air Force Base and will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site TV auditorium, NASA, SpaceX and the 45th Weather Squadron leaders speak to members of the media during a prelaunch news conference Thursday, Feb. 28, prior to the Saturday, March 2 launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program (CCP) mission to the International Space Station. From left are: Stephanie Martin of NASA Communications, Kathy Lueders, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Hans Koenigsmann, vice president, Build and Flight Reliability, SpaceX; Joel Montalbano, deputy manager, International Space Station Program; Pat Forrester, chief, Astronaut Office, Johnson Space Center; and Melody C. Lovin, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron. The inaugural flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, is scheduled to lift off from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A Saturday at 2:49 EST. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the uncrewed spacecraft on a mission designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the Commercial Crew Program spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations, such as the International Space Station.

In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site TV auditorium, NASA, SpaceX and the 45th Weather Squadron leaders speak to members of the media during a prelaunch news conference Thursday, Feb. 28, prior to the Saturday, March 2 launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program (CCP) mission to the International Space Station. From left are: Stephanie Martin of NASA Communications, Kathy Lueders, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Hans Koenigsmann, vice president, Build and Flight Reliability, SpaceX; Joel Montalbano, deputy manager, International Space Station Program; Pat Forrester, chief, Astronaut Office, Johnson Space Center; and Melody C. Lovin, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron. The inaugural flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, is scheduled to lift off from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A Saturday at 2:49 EST. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the uncrewed spacecraft on a mission designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the Commercial Crew Program spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations, such as the International Space Station.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, ULA (United Launch Alliance), and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Friday, May 31, 2024. From left to right at the dais are Derrol Nail, NASA Communications; Jim Free, NASA associate administrator; Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Dana Weigel, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Mike Fincke, NASA astronaut; Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA; Mark Burger, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron. As part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are the first to launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft atop a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is scheduled for 12:25 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 1.

Astronaut Shannon Walker prepares to release a weather balloon from the deck of the USS Portland alongside members of the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron ahead of the splashdown of the Orion spacecraft on Dec. 11. NASA's Landing and Recovery team works alongside the DoD to safely recover Orion after Artemis missions to the Moon.

Astronaut Shannon Walker prepares to release a weather balloon from the deck of the USS Portland alongside members of the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron ahead of the splashdown of the Orion spacecraft on Dec. 11. NASA's Landing and Recovery team works alongside the DoD to safely recover Orion after Artemis missions to the Moon.

In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium, Capt. Laura Godoy, launch weather officer of the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron, speaks to members of the media at a prelaunch news conference for Orbital ATK CRS-6 commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station.

Mark Burger, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron, participates in a prelaunch briefing for NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Friday, May 31, 2024. As part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are the first to launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is scheduled for 12:25 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 1.

Representatives from NASA, SpaceX and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a news conference following the Launch Readiness Review at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Monday, May 25, 2020, in advance of NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 Flight Test to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. From the left are: Norm Knight, deputy director, NASA Johnson Space Center Flight Operations Kathy Lueders, manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program; Kirk Shireman, manager, International Space Station Program; Hans Koenigsmann, vice president, Build and Flight Reliability, SpaceX; and Mike McAleenan, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron. Launch is currently targeted for 4:33 p.m. EDT Wednesday, May 27. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft will launch on a Falcon 9 rocket from historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, United Launch Alliance and the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for Boeing’s Orbital Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Dec. 17, 2019. From left are John Elbon, chief operating officer, United Launch Alliance; Joel Montalbano, deputy manager, International Space Station Program; Pat Forrester, Astronaut Office chief, Johnson Space Center; and Will Ulrich, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The uncrewed Orbital Flight Test will be the Starliner’s first flight to the International Space Station for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, United Launch Alliance and the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for Boeing’s Orbital Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Dec. 17, 2019. From left are John Mulholland, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; John Elbon, chief operating officer, United Launch Alliance; Joel Montalbano, deputy manager, International Space Station Program; Pat Forrester, Astronaut Office chief, Johnson Space Center; and Will Ulrich, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The uncrewed Orbital Flight Test will be the Starliner’s first flight to the International Space Station for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium, agency and industry leaders spoke to members of the news media on International Space Station research and technology developments. Participants included Maj. Perry Sweat, U.S. Air Force’s 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, a worker ties a line to a steel beam that will be added to a tower being constructed for a Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron. In the background is the radome that will be on top of the tower. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base. It will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above and surrounding the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Construction continues on the Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron being built in an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida. At right is a radar dome, or radome; in the background is the tower being built for the radome. The new site will replace one at Patrick Air Force Base and will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, a crane begins lifting a radar dome, or radome, which is part of a new Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base. It will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, workers help guide the cables on a crane lifting a radome onto concrete blocks. The radome will be lifted onto a steel tower constructed for a Doppler weather radar for the 45th Weather Squadron. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base and will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing and their customers. The facility will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above and surrounding the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. Replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, the new radar includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, workers are constructing a steel tower for a Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron. At right is the radome that will be on top of the tower. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base. It will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above and surrounding the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Construction continues on the Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron being built in an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida. In the background, left, is the radar dome, or radome, being prepared to lift. In the foreground is the tower being put together for the radome. The new site will replace one at Patrick Air Force Base and will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A worker seals an area of the radar dome, or radome, under construction on the Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron being built in an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida. The new site will replace one at Patrick Air Force Base and will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, a crane lifts a steel beam that will be added to the being constructed for a Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron. In the background is the radome that will be on top of the tower. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base. It will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above and surrounding the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, workers are constructing a steel tower for a Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron. At left is the radome that will be on top of the tower. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base. It will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above and surrounding the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, a crane lifts a steel beam that will be added to the being constructed for a Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron. In the background is the radome that will be on top of the tower. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base. It will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above and surrounding the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, workers are constructing a steel tower for a Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron. At left is the radome that will be on top of the tower. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base. It will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above and surrounding the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At a site near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, a radar dome, or radome, is being completed before moving it to its base. It is part of a new Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron, replacing one at Patrick Air Force Base and will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, a crane begins lifting a radar dome, or radome, which is part of a new Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base. It will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A worker inside the radar dome, or radome, monitors equipment before it is lifted onto its base. The dome is part of a new Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron in an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, replacing one at Patrick Air Force Base. It will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, the steel tower for a Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron is nearly complete. At left is the radome that will go on top of the tower, enclosing the radar. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base and will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing and their customers. The facility will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above and surrounding the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. Replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, the new radar includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, workers help guide the cables on a crane lifting a radome onto concrete blocks. The radome will be lifted onto a steel tower constructed for a Doppler weather radar for the 45th Weather Squadron. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base and will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing and their customers. The facility will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above and surrounding the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. Replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, the new radar includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, a crane is being used to lift steel beams for a new Doppler weather radar tower for the 45th Weather Squadron. In the background at left is the radome that will be on top of the tower. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base. It will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above and surrounding the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, workers help position a radome onto concrete blocks. The radome will be lifted onto a steel tower constructed for a Doppler weather radar for the 45th Weather Squadron. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base and will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing and their customers. The facility will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above and surrounding the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. Replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, the new radar includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, a crane is used to position a radome on concrete blocks. The radome will be lifted onto a steel tower constructed for a Doppler weather radar for the 45th Weather Squadron. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base and will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing and their customers. The facility will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above and surrounding the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. Replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, the new radar includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In an area near S.R. 520 in Orange County, Florida, a worker finishes tying a line to a steel beam that will be added to a tower being constructed for a Doppler weather radar facility for the 45th Weather Squadron. In the background is the radome that will be on top of the tower. The new site replaces one at Patrick Air Force Base. It will be used by NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the 45th Space Wing and their customers. The site will be able to monitor weather conditions directly above and surrounding the launch pads at Kennedy. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria. The new radar, replacing what was installed 25 years ago at Patrick Air Force Base, includes Doppler capability to detect winds and identify the type, size and number of precipitation particles. The site is ideally distant from the launch pads and has unobstructed views of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy. The radar will be used by forecasters at the USAF 45th Weather Squadron. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station forecast facility in Florida, a member of the weather team demonstrates the effectiveness of the new weather radar display recently installed. The facility is operated by the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron and will generate a launch weather forecast for the scheduled July 8 lift off of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-135 mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station forecast facility in Florida, a member of the weather team demonstrates the effectiveness of the new weather radar display recently installed. The facility is operated by the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron and will generate a launch weather forecast for the scheduled July 8 lift off of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-135 mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium, Clay Flinn, launch weather officer for the 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida speaks to members of the media abouth the weather forecast at a prelaunch news conference for the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. To Flinn’s right is Rich Kuhns, OSIRIS-REx program manager for Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver.

Senior Airman Kyle Boyes of the U.S. Air Force’s 45th Weather Squadron out of Patrick Air Force Base in Florida releases a weather balloon during Underway Recovery Test-8 in the Pacific Ocean in March 2020. Winds data gathered from weather balloons will help inform the course of the U.S. Navy ship carrying NASA’s Landing and Recovery team based out of Exploration Ground Systems at Kennedy Space Center, as it heads to where Orion will splash down following Artemis missions.

Meteorological Data Specialist Michael Boyer prepares weather balloons for release at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) Weather Station in preparation for an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The event involved teams from CCSFS, Kennedy Space Center, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. Weather balloons provided data below 6,000 feet and above 62,000 feet, while Kennedy’s Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler delivered data from 6,000 to 62,000 feet. The radar wind profiler will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

Meteorological Data Specialist Michael Boyer releases a weather balloon at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) Weather Station during an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The event involved teams from CCSFS, Kennedy Space Center, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. Weather balloons provided data below 6,000 feet and above 62,000 feet, while Kennedy’s Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler delivered data from 6,000 to 62,000 feet. The radar wind profiler will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

Weather Instrumentation Engineer Nick O’Connor works with the Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler at Kennedy Space Center in Florida during an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The simulation involved teams from Kennedy, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. The radar wind profiler delivers data – from 6,000 to 62,000 feet – every five minutes. It will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

Weather Instrumentation Technician Gavin Oglesby, left, and Weather Instrumentation Engineer Nick O’Connor work with the Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler at Kennedy Space Center in Florida during an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The simulation involved teams from Kennedy, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. The radar wind profiler delivers data – from 6,000 to 62,000 feet – every five minutes. It will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

Weather Instrumentation Technician Gavin Oglesby, left, and Weather Instrumentation Engineer Nick O’Connor work with the Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler at Kennedy Space Center in Florida during an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The simulation involved teams from Kennedy, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. The radar wind profiler delivers data – from 6,000 to 62,000 feet – every five minutes. It will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

The Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler, located on five acres near the Launch and Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is shown during an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The simulation involved teams from Kennedy, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. The radar wind profiler consists of 640 antennae and delivers data – from 6,000 to 62,000 feet – every five minutes. The instrument will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

The Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler, located on five acres near the Launch and Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is shown during an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The simulation involved teams from Kennedy, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. The radar wind profiler consists of 640 antennae and delivers data – from 6,000 to 62,000 feet – every five minutes. The instrument will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

Meteorological Data Specialist Michael Boyer prepares weather balloons for release at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) Weather Station in preparation for an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The event involved teams from CCSFS, Kennedy Space Center, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. Weather balloons provided data below 6,000 feet and above 62,000 feet, while Kennedy’s Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler delivered data from 6,000 to 62,000 feet. The radar wind profiler will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

The Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler, located on five acres near the Launch and Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is shown during an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The simulation involved teams from Kennedy, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. The radar wind profiler consists of 640 antennae and delivers data – from 6,000 to 62,000 feet – every five minutes. The instrument will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

Weather Instrumentation Engineer Nick O’Connor works with the Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler at Kennedy Space Center in Florida during an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The simulation involved teams from Kennedy, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. The radar wind profiler delivers data – from 6,000 to 62,000 feet – every five minutes. It will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

Weather balloons are lined up prior to release at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) Weather Station in preparation for an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The event involved teams from CCSFS, Kennedy Space Center, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. Weather balloons provided data below 6,000 feet and above 62,000 feet, while Kennedy’s Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler delivered data from 6,000 to 62,000 feet. The radar wind profiler will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

Meteorological Data Specialist Michael Boyer prepares weather balloons for release at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) Weather Station in preparation for an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The event involved teams from CCSFS, Kennedy Space Center, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. Weather balloons provided data below 6,000 feet and above 62,000 feet, while Kennedy’s Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler delivered data from 6,000 to 62,000 feet. The radar wind profiler will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

Meteorological Data Specialist Michael Boyer releases a weather balloon at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) Weather Station during an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The event involved teams from CCSFS, Kennedy Space Center, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. Weather balloons provided data below 6,000 feet and above 62,000 feet, while Kennedy’s Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler delivered data from 6,000 to 62,000 feet. The radar wind profiler will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

Meteorological Data Specialist Michael Boyer releases a weather balloon at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) Weather Station during an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The event involved teams from CCSFS, Kennedy Space Center, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. Weather balloons provided data below 6,000 feet and above 62,000 feet, while Kennedy’s Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler delivered data from 6,000 to 62,000 feet. The radar wind profiler will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

Weather Instrumentation Engineer Nick O’Connor works with the Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler at Kennedy Space Center in Florida during an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The simulation involved teams from Kennedy, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. The radar wind profiler delivers data – from 6,000 to 62,000 feet – every five minutes. It will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

Meteorological Data Specialist Michael Boyer prepares to release a weather balloon at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) Weather Station during an Artemis I weather simulation on Nov. 3, 2021. The event involved teams from CCSFS, Kennedy Space Center, Johnson Space Center in Texas, and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. Weather balloons provided data below 6,000 feet and above 62,000 feet, while Kennedy’s Tropospheric Doppler Radar Wind Profiler delivered data from 6,000 to 62,000 feet. The radar wind profiler will be used as the primary upper level wind instrument for NASA’s Artemis missions, including Artemis I, the first launch of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft on a flight beyond the Moon.

In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium, Mike McAleenan, launch weather officer for the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron, speaks to members of the media during a prelaunch news conference for the SpaceX CRS-11 commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. A Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to be launched from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A on June 1 atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on the company's 11th Commercial Resupply Services mission to the space station.

Will Ulrich, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron, participates in a prelaunch briefing for Boeing’s Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, July 27, 2021. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The uncrewed OFT-2 will be the Starliner’s second flight NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Todd McNamara, meteorologist with the 45th Weather Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, addresses the audience of the annual hurricane awareness briefing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The briefing, held at the start of the 2014 hurricane season, is attended by the center's emergency hurricane coordinators and other interested employees in the KSC Training Auditorium. The briefing also is broadcast to the workforce. For more information, visit http://www.patrick.af.mil/weather. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Mike McAleenan, launch weather officer with the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron, participates in a briefing at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 17, 2020, prior to launch of SpaceX’s uncrewed In-Flight Abort Test. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket topped by the company’s Crew Dragon spacecraft will lift off from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A, then begin the launch-abort sequence. The spacecraft will demonstrate its escape capabilities in preparation for crewed flights to the International Space Station as part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program.

Will Ulrich, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron, speaks during a prelaunch briefing for Boeing’s Orbital Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Dec. 17, 2019. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The uncrewed Orbital Flight Test will be the Starliner’s first flight to the International Space Station for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Arlena Moses, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, is introduced during a prelaunch news conference for SpaceX’s 24th commercial resupply services mission at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2021. Liftoff of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company’s Dragon spacecraft on board is targeted for Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, at 5:07 a.m. EST. The mission will deliver new science investigations, supplies, and equipment to the crew on board the International Space Station.

Mark Burger, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, participates in a prelaunch news conference for SpaceX’s 22nd Commercial Resupply Services mission for NASA to the International Space Station on June 2, 2021 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Dragon capsule atop SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to lift off from Launch Complex 39A at 1:29 p.m. EDT on June 3. Dragon will deliver more than 7,300 pounds of cargo to the space station.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Todd McNamara, meteorologist with the 45th Weather Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, explains the hurricane support process to the audience of the annual hurricane awareness briefing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The briefing, held at the start of the 2014 hurricane season, is attended by the center's emergency hurricane coordinators and other interested employees in the KSC Training Auditorium. The briefing also is broadcast to the workforce. For more information, visit http://www.patrick.af.mil/weather. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Joel Montalbano, deputy manager, International Space Station Program, speaks to members of the media during a prelaunch news conference with NASA, SpaceX and the 45th Weather Squadron leaders Thursday, Feb. 28, prior to the Saturday, March 2 launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program (CCP) mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, is scheduled to lift off from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A Saturday at 2:49 EST. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the uncrewed spacecraft on a mission designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the Commercial Crew Program spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations, such as the International Space Station.

Hans Koenigsmann, vice president, Build and Flight Reliability, SpaceX, speaks to members of the media during a prelaunch news conference with NASA, SpaceX and the 45th Weather Squadron leaders Thursday, Feb. 28, prior to the Saturday, March 2 launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program (CCP) mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, is scheduled to lift off from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A Saturday at 2:49 EST. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the uncrewed spacecraft on a mission designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the Commercial Crew Program spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations, such as the International Space Station.

Members of the media gather in the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium during a prelaunch news conference with NASA, SpaceX and the 45th Weather Squadron leaders Thursday, Feb. 28, prior to the Saturday, March 2 launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program (CCP) mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, is scheduled to lift off from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A Saturday at 2:49 EST. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the uncrewed spacecraft on a mission designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the Commercial Crew Program spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations, such as the International Space Station.

Kathy Lueders, manager, NASA Commercial Crew Program, speaks to members of the media during a prelaunch news conference with NASA, SpaceX and the 45th Weather Squadron leaders Thursday, Feb. 28, prior to the Saturday, March 2 launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program (CCP) mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, is scheduled to lift off from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A Saturday at 2:49 EST. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the uncrewed spacecraft on a mission designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the Commercial Crew Program spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations, such as the International Space Station.

Pat Forrester, chief, Astronaut Office, Johnson Space Center, speaks to members of the media during a prelaunch news conference with NASA, SpaceX and the 45th Weather Squadron leaders Thursday, Feb. 28, prior to the Saturday, March 2 launch of the SpaceX Demo-1 Commercial Crew Program (CCP) mission to the International Space Station. The inaugural flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, known as Demo-1, is scheduled to lift off from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A Saturday at 2:49 EST. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the uncrewed spacecraft on a mission designed to validate end-to-end systems and capabilities, leading to certification to fly crew. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing the Commercial Crew Program spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations, such as the International Space Station.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mike McAleenan, launch weather officer with the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron, provides an on the launch-day forecast during a briefing regarding NOAA’s Deep Space Climate Observatory spacecraft, or DSCOVR. DSCOVR will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission is a partnership between NOAA, NASA and the U.S. Air Force. DSCOVR will maintain the nation's real-time solar wind monitoring capabilities which are critical to the accuracy and lead time of NOAA's space weather alerts and forecasts. To learn more about DSCOVR, visit http://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/DSCOVR. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Cape Canaveral weather station in Florida, a member of the weather team looks over the weather balloons inside. The release of a Rawinsonde weather balloon was planned as part of a media tour prior to the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 July 1. At the facility, which is operated by the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron, media saw the tools used by the weather team to create the forecast for launch day. They received a briefing on how the launch weather forecast is developed by Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters and met the forecasters for the space shuttle and the expendable launch vehicles. Also participating were members of the Applied Meteorology Unit who provide special expertise to the forecasters by analyzing and interpreting unusual or inconsistent weather data. The media were able to see the release of the Rawinsonde weather balloon carrying instruments aloft to be used as part of developing the forecast. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

Officials from NASA, Boeing, ULA (United Launch Alliance) , and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Friday, May 3, 2024. From left to right at the dais are Megan Cruz, NASA Communications; Bill Nelson, NASA administrator; Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Dana Weigel, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Jennifer Buchli, chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA; Brian Cizek, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron. As part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are the first to launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft atop a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is scheduled for 10:34 p.m. ET on Monday, May 6.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, United Launch Alliance (ULA) and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for NASA’s uncrewed Boeing Orbital Flight Test (OFT-2) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, May 17, 2022. From left to right at the dais are Megan Cruz, NASA Communications; Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Dana Weigel, deputy manager, International Space Station Program; Mark Nappi, vice president and manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA; Will Ulrich, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner is targeted to launch at 6:54 p.m. EDT on Thursday, May 19, on a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida to rendezvous and dock with the space station.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, ULA (United Launch Alliance) , and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Friday, May 3, 2024. From left to right at the dais are Megan Cruz, NASA Communications; Bill Nelson, NASA administrator; Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Dana Weigel, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Jennifer Buchli, chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA; Brian Cizek, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron. As part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are the first to launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft atop a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is scheduled for 10:34 p.m. ET on Monday, May 6.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, ULA (United Launch Alliance) , and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Friday, May 3, 2024. From left to right at the dais are Megan Cruz, NASA Communications; Bill Nelson, NASA administrator; Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Dana Weigel, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Jennifer Buchli, chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA; Brian Cizek, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron. As part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are the first to launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft atop a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is scheduled for 10:34 p.m. ET on Monday, May 6.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, ULA (United Launch Alliance) , and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Friday, May 3, 2024. From left to right at the dais are Megan Cruz, NASA Communications; Bill Nelson, NASA administrator; Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Dana Weigel, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Jennifer Buchli, chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA; Brian Cizek, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron. As part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are the first to launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft atop a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is scheduled for 10:34 p.m. ET on Monday, May 6.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, United Launch Alliance and the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for Boeing’s Orbital Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Dec. 17, 2019. From left to right are Marie Lewis, NASA Communications; Kathy Lueders, NASA Commercial Crew Program; John Mulholland, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; John Elbon, chief operating officer, United Launch Alliance; Joel Montalbano, deputy manager, International Space Station Program; Pat Forrester, Astronaut Office chief, Johnson Space Center; and Will Ulrich, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The uncrewed Orbital Flight Test will be the Starliner’s first flight to the International Space Station for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, United Launch Alliance and the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for Boeing’s Orbital Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Dec. 17, 2019. From left to right are Marie Lewis, NASA Communications; Kathy Lueders, NASA Commercial Crew Program; John Mulholland, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; John Elbon, chief operating officer, United Launch Alliance; Joel Montalbano, deputy manager, International Space Station Program; Pat Forrester, Astronaut Office chief, Johnson Space Center; and Will Ulrich, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft will launch atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The uncrewed Orbital Flight Test will be the Starliner’s first flight to the International Space Station for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, ULA (United Launch Alliance) , and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Friday, May 3, 2024. From left to right at the dais are Megan Cruz, NASA Communications; Bill Nelson, NASA administrator; Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Dana Weigel, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Jennifer Buchli, chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA; Brian Cizek, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron. As part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are the first to launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft atop a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is scheduled for 10:34 p.m. ET on Monday, May 6.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, United Launch Alliance (ULA) and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for Boeing’s Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, July 27, 2021. From left to right are Kyle Herring, NASA Communications; Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Joel Montalbano, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Jennifer Buchli, deputy chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program; John Vollmer, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA; Will Ulrich, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft will launch atop a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on a mission to dock with the space station. The uncrewed OFT-2 will be the Starliner’s second flight for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, United Launch Alliance (ULA) and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for Boeing’s Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, July 27, 2021. From left to right are Kyle Herring, NASA Communications; Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Joel Montalbano, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Jennifer Buchli, deputy chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program; John Vollmer, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA; Will Ulrich, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft will launch atop a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on a mission to dock with the space station. The uncrewed OFT-2 will be the Starliner’s second flight for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, ULA (United Launch Alliance) , and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Friday, May 3, 2024. From left to right at the dais are Megan Cruz, NASA Communications; Bill Nelson, NASA administrator; Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Dana Weigel, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Jennifer Buchli, chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA; Brian Cizek, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron. As part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are the first to launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft atop a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is scheduled for 10:34 p.m. ET on Monday, May 6.

Members of the media gather in the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium in Florida during a prelaunch news conference with NASA, Boeing, United Launch Alliance (ULA) and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron officials, July 27, 2021, prior to the Friday, July 30, launch of NASA’s Boeing Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2). . From left to right at the dais are Kyle Herring, NASA Communications; Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Joel Montalbano, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Jennifer Buchli, deputy chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program; John Vollmer, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA; Will Ulrich, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft will launch atop a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on a mission to dock with the space station. The uncrewed OFT-2 will be the Starliner’s second flight for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, ULA (United Launch Alliance) , and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Friday, May 3, 2024. From left to right at the dais are Megan Cruz, NASA Communications; Bill Nelson, NASA administrator; Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Dana Weigel, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Jennifer Buchli, chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA; Brian Cizek, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron. As part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are the first to launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft atop a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is scheduled for 10:34 p.m. ET on Monday, May 6.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, ULA (United Launch Alliance) , and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Friday, May 3, 2024. From left to right at the dais are Megan Cruz, NASA Communications; Bill Nelson, NASA administrator; Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Dana Weigel, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Jennifer Buchli, chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA; Brian Cizek, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron. As part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are the first to launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft atop a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is scheduled for 10:34 p.m. ET on Monday, May 6.

Officials from NASA, Boeing, ULA (United Launch Alliance) , and the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron participate in a prelaunch briefing for NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Friday, May 3, 2024. From left to right at the dais are Megan Cruz, NASA Communications; Bill Nelson, NASA administrator; Steve Stich, manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program; Dana Weigel, manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Jennifer Buchli, chief scientist, NASA’s International Space Station Program; Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager, Boeing Commercial Crew Program; Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, ULA; Brian Cizek, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron. As part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are the first to launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft atop a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is scheduled for 10:34 p.m. ET on Monday, May 6.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Cape Canaveral weather station in Florida, a member of the weather team prepares a Rawinsonde weather balloon for release. The release was planned as part of a media tour prior to the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 July 1. At the facility, which is operated by the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron, media saw the tools used by the weather team to create the forecast for launch day. They received a briefing on how the launch weather forecast is developed by Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters and met the forecasters for the space shuttle and the expendable launch vehicles. Also participating were members of the Applied Meteorology Unit who provide special expertise to the forecasters by analyzing and interpreting unusual or inconsistent weather data. The media were able to see the release of the Rawinsonde weather balloon carrying instruments aloft to be used as part of developing the forecast. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium, Lt. David Myers, weather officer for the 45th Weather Squadron, speaks to members of the media during a prelaunch news conference for the SpaceX CRS-13 commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. A Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to be launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 11:46 a.m. EST, on Dec. 12, 2017. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will lift off on the company's 13th Commercial Resupply Services mission to the space station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the STS-114 Launch Readiness Press Conference at NASA Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle Deputy Program Manager Wayne Hale (center) answers a question from the media. At the conference, NASA officials confirmed the July 26 launch. Others seated with Hale on the stage are NASA Administrator Mike Griffin (left) and Shuttle Processing Director Mike Wetmore (right). Not pictured is launch weather officer 1st Lt. Mindy Chavez, with the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Discovery on the Return to Flight mission STS-114 is scheduled for 10:39 a.m. EDT July 26 from Launch Pad 39B.

Officials from NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), SpaceX participate in a prelaunch news conference on Monday, June 24, 2024, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the launch of GOES-U (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite U) mission. From left to right, Steve Volz, assistant administrator, NOAA’s Satellite and Information Service; Pam Sullivan, director, GOES-R Program, NOAA; John Gagosian, director, Joint Agency Satellite Division; Denton Gibson, launch director, Launch Services Program, NASA; Julianna Scheiman, director, NASA Science Missions, SpaceX; Brian Cizek, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron, U.S. Space Force

In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium, Mike McAleenan, launch weather officer for the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, speaks to members of the media during a prelaunch news conference for the SpaceX CRS-15 Commercial Resupply Services mission to the International Space Station. A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to be launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will lift off on the company's 15th Commercial Resupply Services mission to the space station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the STS-114 Launch Readiness Press Conference at NASA Kennedy Space Center, NASA officials confirm the July 26 launch. Seated from left are NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, Space Shuttle Deputy Program Manager Wayne Hale, Shuttle Processing Director Mike Wetmore and launch weather officer 1st Lt. Mindy Chavez, with the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Discovery on the Return to Flight mission STS-114 is scheduled for 10:39 a.m. EDT July 26 from Launch Pad 39B.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Todd McNamara, center, meteorologist with the 45th Weather Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, and Tony Mainolfi, right, chief meteorologist of WESH 2 news, take questions from the audience of the annual hurricane awareness briefing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the podium is moderator Wayne Kee, NASA emergency manager for the center. The briefing, held at the start of the 2014 hurricane season, is attended by the center's emergency hurricane coordinators and other interested employees in the KSC Training Auditorium. The briefing also is broadcast to the workforce. For more information, visit http://www.patrick.af.mil/weather. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

A prelaunch status briefing for Orbital ATK's seventh commercial resupply mission, CRS-7, to the International Space Station, is held at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Press Site in Florida. Participating in the briefing are, from left, Tara Ruttley, Johnson Space Center Program Science Office; and David Craft, weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron. Orbital ATK's Cygnus pressurized cargo module is set to launch atop the ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on April 18. Cygnus will deliver 7,600 pounds of supplies, equipment and scientific research materials to the space station. Liftoff is scheduled for 11:11 a.m. EDT.

A prelaunch status briefing for Orbital ATK's seventh commercial resupply mission, CRS-7, to the International Space Station, is held at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Press Site in Florida. Participating in the briefing are, from left, Tara Ruttley, Johnson Space Center Program Science Office; and David Craft, weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron. Orbital ATK's Cygnus pressurized cargo module is set to launch atop the ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on April 18. Cygnus will deliver 7,600 pounds of supplies, equipment and scientific research materials to the space station. Liftoff is scheduled for 11:11 a.m. EDT.

Will Ulrich, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron, Space Launch Delta 45, participates in a prelaunch briefing for NASA’s uncrewed Boeing Orbital Flight Test (OFT-2) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, May 17, 2022. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner is targeted to launch at 6:54 p.m. EDT on Thursday, May 19, on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida to rendezvous and dock with the International Space Station.

Brian Cizek, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron, U.S. Space Force, participates in the SpaceX Crew-2 prelaunch news conference held at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 20, 2021. NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and  Megan McArthur, JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, and ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet will fly on Crew-2, the second crew rotation mission to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. They will launch aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, powered by the company’s Falcon 9 rocket. Liftoff is set for Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, at 6:11 a.m. EDT.

Arlena Moses, launch weather officer, U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron, answers questions during a virtual prelaunch news conference Nov. 13, 2020, inside the Press Site auditorium at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of the agency’s SpaceX Crew-1 launch. Crew-1 is the first regular crew mission of a U.S. commercial spacecraft with astronauts to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The SpaceX Crew Dragon Resilience capsule will launch atop the company’s Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A to the space station for a six-month science mission.

In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium, NASA and industry leaders speak to members of the media at a prelaunch news conference for the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. From left are: Michael Donnelly, OSIRIS-REx project manager at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; Rich Kuhns, OSIRIS-REx program manager for Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver; and Clay Flinn, launch weather officer for the 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

Officials from NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), SpaceX participate in a prelaunch news conference on Monday, June 24, 2024, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the launch of GOES-U (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite U) mission. From left to right, Steve Volz, assistant administrator, NOAA’s Satellite and Information Service; Pam Sullivan, director, GOES-R Program, NOAA; John Gagosian, director, Joint Agency Satellite Division; Denton Gibson, launch director, Launch Services Program, NASA; Julianna Scheiman, director, NASA Science Missions, SpaceX; Brian Cizek, launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron, U.S. Space Force

Gary Wentz, vice president, Government and Commercial Programs, United Launch Alliance, launch weather officer, U.S. Space Force, 45th Weather Squadron, Space Launch Delta 45, participates in a prelaunch briefing for NASA’s uncrewed Boeing Orbital Flight Test (OFT-2) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, May 17, 2022. Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner is targeted to launch at 6:54 p.m. EDT on Thursday, May 19, on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida to rendezvous and dock with the International Space Station.

In the Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium, Lt. David Myers, weather officer for the 45th Weather Squadron, speaks to members of the media during a prelaunch news conference for the SpaceX CRS-13 commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. A Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to be launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 11:46 a.m. EST, on Dec. 12, 2017. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will lift off on the company's 13th Commercial Resupply Services mission to the space station.