Jupiter OLS Images Back-to-Back Direct Strikes to Delta Launch Pad
Jun 16, 2020Last week, a Jupiter OLS system monitoring the Delta Launch Pad (SLC-37B) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station imaged two direct lightning strikes to the lightning protection system (LPS) towers within a 3 minute time window. The first strike attached to the western LPS tower top while the second strike attached to the eastern LPS tower top. SLS immediately alerted operators of the direct strikes.…
Read MoreSLS’ Harsh Environment B-dot Sensor
Jun 16, 2020SLS was tasked by a commercial launch provider to design 3-axis magnetic field sensors to measure lightning-radiated magnetic fields in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle and payload. The sensor is designed to withstand the harsh launch environment. The sensors will be connected to SLS' Jupiter TMS high-speed transient recorders.
SLS Deploys Jupiter TMS for NASA LSP Umbilical Measurements
Jun 05, 2020SLS worked with NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP) to design and fabricate a representative space launch vehicle umbilical cable. The cable was installed at Kennedy Space Center and instrumented with two Jupiter TMS units that are measuring lightning-induced voltages and currents on the umbilical cable conductors. The results of the study will provide engineers with the data needed to properly…
Read MoreFalcon 9 Manned Launch Lightning Monitoring
Jun 05, 2020SLS' network of Jupiter OLS and Jupiter TMS lightning monitoring systems kept a watchful eye over Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center last week as SpaceX prepared to launch American astronauts from US soil for the first time since 2011. Fortunately, the lightning activity that resulted in a scrubbed launch attempt on Wednesday remained at a safe distance from LC-39A. During the storms,…
Read MoreJupiter OLS Captures Direct Strike to VAB
May 19, 2020Two of SLS' Jupiter OLS systems installed at the Kennedy Space Center recently captured orthogonal views of a direct lightning strike to NASA's iconic Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The strike occurred at night during very heavy precipitation. To clearly illustrate the strike point, the Jupiter OLS systems automatically overlay the raw images with daylight clear-sky reference images (shown). SLS…
Read MoreJupiter OLS Captures Rare Upward Connecting Leader from Sea Surface
May 11, 2020One of SLS' Jupiter OLS systems installed at Kennedy Space Center recorded an upward connecting leader with an estimated length of 80-100 m that initiated from the sea surface. This is the first recorded instance of this long upward leader phenomena from the sea surface since continuous high-speed video monitoring of lightning began at KSC in 2011.
SLS Performs Grounding Simulation for Gordie Howe International Bridge Project
May 11, 2020SLS worked with both AECOM and Dominion Lightning Rod of Dundas, Ontario to create a computer-based model of the grounding system for the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will connect Detroit, Michigan and Ontario,…
Read MoreJupiter OLS Captures Direct Strike to Launch Pad
Apr 30, 2020SLS has deployed seven state-of-the-art Jupiter OLS units to monitor active launch pads, tall towers, and assembly buildings at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The network provides ground-truth data to determine the performance of MERLIN, the 45th Weather Squadron's lightning location network, for lightning strikes to tall structures. Last week, several Jupiter OLS units…
Read MoreSLS Deploys Meteorological Station at Commercial Launch Pad
Apr 23, 2020SLS was contracted by a commercial launch provider to design and install custom meteorological monitoring stations at their launch pad. Prior to the main equipment deployment during summer 2020, SLS installed a single station to provide real-time wind, temperature, and relative humidity measurements during the construction phase. Data are continuously captured, stored, and displayed on a custom…
Read MoreSLS Provides Custom Jupiter TMS Units for B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center
Apr 17, 2020SLS custom designed two Jupiter TMS units for installation on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center. The systems will continuously capture the outputs of Rogowski current probes installed on the umbilical cables to the massive Space Launch System core stage booster. The booster is being tested for NASA's upcoming Artemis I mission. Jupiter TMS data will provide engineers and test conductors…
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