As NASA prepares for the primary launch of its new Space Launch System rocket on Monday, lightning has been noticed putting the launch pad on the Kennedy Space Center in Florida the place the rocket is presently ready. The lightning struck towers across the rocket that are designed to steer present away from delicate {hardware}, and NASA says it’s performing an evaluation to examine whether or not any techniques have been broken by the strikes.

Lightning and thunderstorms have been seen within the space all through the afternoon of Saturday, August 27. A video shared on Twitter by meteorologist Nick Stewart exhibits the lightning strike in gradual movement, with what seems to be three consecutive strikes to the launch pad’s lightning towers:

240FPS video of the strike to the #SLS #Artemis Pad 39B #lightning towers. Looks like they did their job, they took not less than three hits from my vantage level. #FLwx @natwxdesk pic.twitter.com/mYXQ5sIeKO

— Nick Stewart (@NStewCBS2) August 27, 2022

Lightning putting across the pad was additionally captured in a picture by photographer John Kraus:

Lightning strikes subsequent to Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center a number of moments in the past as NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Artemis I await their Monday launch throughout a two-hour window opening at 8:33 a.m. EDT. pic.twitter.com/UsfBX1Q2u8

— John Kraus (@johnkrausphotos) August 27, 2022

NASA confirmed that there have been three strikes on the lightning towers in whole, one hitting Tower 1 and two hitting Tower 2. “Initial indications are that the strikes were of low magnitude,” NASA wrote. “A weather team has begun an assessment that includes collecting voltage and current data, as well as imagery. The data will be shared with a team of experts on electromagnetic environment efforts who will determine if any constraints on vehicle or ground systems were violated. Engineers will conduct a walkdown at the pad tonight, and if needed, conduct additional assessments with subsystems experts.”

The lightning towers are a part of a lightning safety system in place on the launch pad for simply such an incidence. They are 600 toes tall and are designed to channel electrical energy down into the bottom and away from any rocket, spacecraft, or supporting {hardware} that’s on the pad.

An analogous lightning strike occurred in April this 12 months when the Space Launch System rocket was on the pad at Kennedy for its moist gown rehearsal. Four lightning strikes hit the lightning towers, and one among these turned out to be essentially the most highly effective lightning strike ever recorded on the web site. There was no injury to the rocket throughout this occasion because the lightning towers did their job.

Now, groups will proceed their preparations for Monday’s launch together with powering up the rocket’s core stage and charging the batteries for the Orion spacecraft.

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