Aerospace Meteorology: Some Lessons Learned

Abstract:

Aerospace Meteorology plays an important role in the design and operation of aerospace vehicles and in the associated integrity of aerospace systems and elements. This paper will address some of the key Aerospace Meteorology “lessons learned” that have been identified over a number of years and documented. Many of which occurred during the involvement of the authors with the development and interpretation of aerospace environment inputs, especially those of the terrestrial environment, for design and development requirements, and associated mission operations. Background for the lesson and specific actions needed to avoid the lesson having to be re-learned for both launch vehicle and spacecraft design and development will be discussed. Some examples of the definition of the terrestrial environment for use in aerospace vehicle development will also be presented.