The dawn casts a golden glow on the Artemis I Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft at Launch Pad 39B at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 23, 2022. Credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
The launch group is continuing to keep track of severe weather in the Kennedy Space Center location surrounding Launch Complex 39B. Previously this night one of the lightning towers was struck and teams are currently assessing any effects.
The lightning defense system consists of 3 almost 600 foot tall towers that work together to secure the rocket from lightning strikes. Once a decision has actually been made on the strength of the strike and has actually developed a go forward strategy, the team will supply an upgrade.
Meteorologists with the U.S. Space Force Space Launch Delta 45 currently forecast favorable weather for tanking on April 3. The forecast for this afternoon a little improved from the other day. There is presently less than a 5% chance of lightning within 5 nautical miles of the launch pad. Weather restrictions specify there need to be less than a 20% chance lightning within 5 nautical miles of pad throughout the very first hour of tanking. Meteorologists are likewise anticipating a 10% chance of winds higher than 23 knots on April 3, when tanking starts. Winds should not be above 37.5 knots and the temperature can not be listed below 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
By NASA
April 2, 2022
