Lightning Strikes


Lightning strikes refer to the discharge of electricity from the atmosphere to the ground or between clouds. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, lightning strikes can pose a significant threat to spacecraft during launch and landing operations. The high voltage and current associated with lightning strikes can damage or destroy sensitive electronic equipment on board a spacecraft, leading to mission failure or loss of life. To mitigate this risk, launch pads and spacecraft are equipped with lightning protection systems that are designed to safely conduct the electrical energy away from the spacecraft and into the ground. These systems typically consist of lightning rods, conductive wires, and grounding systems that are strategically placed around the launch pad and spacecraft. Additionally, weather monitoring systems are used to track thunderstorms and lightning activity in the vicinity of the launch site, allowing for launch delays or cancellations if necessary.


Your Previous Searches
Random Picks

  • Dwarf Planet: A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the sun, is spherical in shape, but has not cleared its orbit of other debris. It is too small to be considered a planet, but too large to be considered an asteroid or a comet. The Internationa ... Read More >>
  • Dielectric Loss: Dielectric loss is the amount of energy lost as heat when an electric field is applied to a dielectric material. In space and astronautical engineering, dielectric loss is an important factor to consider when designing and operating spacecr ... Read More >>
  • Heat Engine: A heat engine is a device that converts thermal energy into mechanical work, typically by using the temperature difference between a hot reservoir and a cold reservoir. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, heat engines are ... Read More >>
Top News

Orionids meteor shower is this weekend: Where and when to watch its peak...

Orionids meteor shower is this weekend: Where and when to watch its peakgo.com...

News Source: ABC News on 2024-10-18

Acting or hosting, Travis Kelce wants to continue to pursue a showbiz career. Bu...

Travis Kelce is the host of “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?”...

News Source: ABC News on 2024-10-09

Now is a great time to see Saturn in all its ringed glory...

My first sight of Saturn through a telescope inspired my love of space. Dig out your telescopes or visit your local astronomy club, and you may be lucky enough to spot our sixth planet's stunning thic...

News Source: New Scientist on 2024-10-09

Was Bruce Willis right? Could a nuclear blast save us from killer asteroid?...

Scientists simulated a nuclear explosion using x-ray pulses to push an asteroid-like rock away in space-like conditions....

News Source: Al Jazeera English on 2024-10-04

China's answer to SpaceX's Starlink is also threatening astronomy...

The first 18 satellites of a planned Chinese mega constellation are brighter than all but 500 stars in the sky, raising fears of a huge impact on astronomy...

News Source: New Scientist on 2024-10-03