May 6 Mission Science

We came in anticipating the Land Surface Mission today, but the winds at Offutt did not cooperate and the mission was scrubbed.  We planned the Gulf cal flight for tomorrow (1800 TO), and may try the LSM again on Sunday at same favorable overpass times.  However, it looks like wind could be an issue at Offutt on Sunday as well- though the direction may make it less a cross-wind component (we shall see).  At a minimum we now have developed the flight pattern template and it can be flown on the next target of opportunity. 

The models seem to be pointing toward back to back precip missions on Tuesday and Wednesday.   Again, we shall see................

As a side note:  We have been exploring the option of deploying the Citation to Colorado (CHILL) for upslope events and it seems feasible. Mike Poellot suggests that a 1.5 hour ferry would be required which leaves 2 hours for sampling, or a land, refuel and a full mission etc.  The Citation could likely operate only in the northeast sector of the CHILL ER-2 radials, but this is also not so bad.  It is an option that we keep in our back pocket for now.

Larry Carey arrived this evening and will join the MS team tomorrow.  So,  till Sunday we will be be well stocked in Mission Scientists.

Walt P. / Dan C.