Why does the space shuttle launch have to be postponed due to a cloud passing over?

Answer 1

They have to look for launch windows. Most people are very ignorant to this, but the shuttle absolutely cannot be launched at any time. It has to be launched at very specific times and anything obstructing a launch window is considered a hazard.


There is a lot of debris flying around the earth at some 50,000 miles an hour in the upper atmosphere. A hit from any of this could potentially destory the shuttle and kill innocent people. Each time they launch the shuttle they're really playing with fire; even in safe conditions astronauts realize they their lives are in danger.

Even though the shuttle positions itself upside down when going for orbital velocity so the debris hits the underside of the shuttle, obviously a lot can go wrong as we've seen before with the foam coming off.

Answer 2

Filming the launch is a very important part of the launching process for any spacecraft, and especially manned spacecraft. This is because if anything should go wrong, it is essential to have very detailed records of everything that happened. Space Shuttle launches are filmed from every angle with all kinds of optical devices.

For this reason, the visibility has to be pretty good for a shuttle launch. The clouds won't affect the shuttle itself, but the ability to film the launch. Fleecy white clouds in the sky are no problem, but an overcast or storm clouds would be a problem.

Also, any kind of storm is a problem for the launch. Contrary to what one comedian said, the Space Shuttle is one of the ruggedest machines every made. The fatal catastrophic accidents that have occurred have both been freak accidents, just as unlikely as having someone's heart punctured by the barb of a stingray.

But any ballistic rocket vehicle travelling at a slow speed is susceptible to being forced off course by the wind. So storms with high winds are a good reason to postpone a launching.

Answer 3

Hi. The shuttle must be filmed to detect any possible damage from foam etc.

Answer 4

space shuttles are very delicate, and although the chances are passing through a cloud will not damage it, they dont want to take any risks

Answer 5

Cloud = Not seeing whats beyond!

Answer 6

I agree with Chester, but I thought it was held together by duct tape & bailing wire. I think they cancle do to the following: clouds, rain, bird droppings, solar eclipse, elephants farting, winter solstice, Cinco de Mayo, hurricanes, baby snot bubbles, low tide, Ling Ling giving birth, bones dropping the wrong way, the jet stream, the Jets game... & the list goes on...

Answer 7

its not because of the cloud.............. the space shuttle got struck by lightning and they had to like fix all the things the lightning screwed up

Answer 8

the cloud may have sharp edges and tear off those fragile tiles that they're always worrying about...

you know that the damned thing is held together by tinfoil and chewing gum, right?

**edit**

thanks koklor... and roxy, who put the cob up your @ss, anyhow? lighten up, you'll live longer. then again...

Answer 9

ok people, if you won't answer a question seriously don't even answer at all. Some people might actually want a real answer not some dumbass who thinks he's funny.

Answer 10

i dunno