Suyog Lad asked: What climatic factors are taken into consideration for missile and space launch?

Ajey Lele replies: Yes, they are taken into consideration for both missile and space launches, especially in case of test launches. However, modern missiles are developed as all weather missiles. Hence, in case of an actual war, they could be launched even in bad weather conditions, if required.

Before the satellite launch, weather conditions on ground are always monitored and usually one day window for preponement or postponement of launch is planned in case of an unsuitable weather. In India, launches take place from the launch site at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This region gets affected by monsoon (both south-west and north-east), which at times poses a major challenge. Also, cyclonic storms have maximum frequency during the month of November. Hence, no satellite launches are usually planned for November and December. Both ISRO and DRDO have facilities for weather observations and forecasting at the launch sites.