Melbourne WSR-88D Shuttle and Rocket Plume examples

Melbourne WSR-88D Shuttle & Rocket Plume examples

Satellite Image

Radar Image

On 17 January 1997, a Delta rocket exploded shortly after lift-off. The WSR-88D at Melbourne was in "non-precipitation mode" (clear-air mode) for the launch.

A low-level non-toxic exhaust cloud was tracked southward along the immediate coast (0.5 degree reflectivity loop*).

Toxic chemicals remained above a strong low-level inversion and were tracked east-southeast away from land (2.5 degree reflectivity loop*).

*Slow-loading loop