Why not launch the shuttle at night ?

Question

Where the weather in Florida is not always on the side of a shuttle launch in the daytime, why not launch at night or early evening when the weather has become more acceptable ?

Answer 1

The shuttle often launches at night. Whilst the weather can interfere or even stop a launch the launch is not determined by a good weather window.

Most launches are made to get the right space coordinate conditions. These can be of a few days for earth orbits and only a few hours for deep space tragectories.

Answer 2

The timing of the launch is is chosen to put the shuttle in the optimal orbiting position to perform the tasks of the mission. Sometimes, the best position is acheived at night.

Currently, because of the problems at NASA, I believe they are choosing launch dates when the best time is during the day, because it is easier to abort the mission and return after launch in daylight.

The optimal time July 2 is about 30 minutes earlier than on July1.

Great question.

Answer 3

Sometimes they do. Night launches are really dramatic for the viewers, actually--I've seen one on film and it was awesome. I guess cameras might do better with daytime launches but since it's rocket science, I find the idea that they need light for the cameras a little worrisome. Couldn't they use infra-red cameras or night vision or something? It's literally rocket science! They're rocket scientists! Surely the equipment isn't an issue.

Answer 4

They said on the news that they could not do a night-time launch because they could not use their sophisticated camera and imaging technology so they could 'visually' make sure that there were no problems during the launch.

Answer 5

Visual advantages

Answer 6

because people see better during the day. family be watching the takeoff, not to mention the technicians.

Answer 7

because they need to see if there are any problems. it is harder to find problems at night.