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OCR for page 55
Appends A
Leder hom KASA to the Academy
Requesting EstabUshment of Panel
55
OCR for page 56
56
N/\Sr\
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Washington. D.C
20546
MO
Dr. Frank Press
president
National Academy of Sciences
2101 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20418
Dear Dr. Press:
1~W J7 I:.
NASA requests the assistance of the National Academy of Sciences in our
endeavor to improve the National Space Transportation System tNSTS) Weather
Forecasting System. We require your atmospheric science expertise to identify
how NASA can instrument the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) as a prototype weather
nowcasting facility.
On November 12, 1986, my staff discussed this request with Dr. John Perry of
the National Research Council. Dr. Perry suggested we proceed with a formal
request for the Academy's services.
Our objective is to encourage the research community to sponsor atmospheric
activities utilizing KSC as a test ground for the application of state-of-the-
science meteorological nowcasting techniques and technology.
Resumption of routine Shuttle landings at RSC is in part dependent upon
improving our current weather support system to provide a high level of
confidence in a 90-minute prelanding forecast. The dynamic atmospheric
conditions manifested at ESC, combined with the Space Shuttle sensitivity to a
range of environmental parameters (thunderstorms, lightning, turbulence), make
this a very challenging requirement.
The Office of Space Flight is in the process of developing a 5-Year NSTS
Weather Forecasting Improvement Plan, consistent with the recommendations of
the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident.
Development of KSC as a prototype nowcasting facility is a cornerstone of that
plan.
We would like you to define the improvements necessary to create such a
prototype system and provide NASA with an implementation plan.
We look forward to working with the Academy to develop a state-of-the-science
weather forecasting capability for the Space Shuttle. Please contact
Karen Poniatowski (FTS 453-2520) of my staff for any clarification.
Sincerely,
ichard H. Trulyt ~
Associate Administrator
for Space Flight
Representative terms from entire chapter:
weather forecasting
