"Ed Price" wrote

BTW, I seem to recall the use of small (sounding?) rockets used around the
perimeter of the Kennedy launch complex. I don't recall if these rockets
trailed a thin wire, or if their exhaust plume was sufficient to trigger a
lightning discharge. Anyway, I thought I recall these small expendable
rockets being used as a lightning diversion technique to protect the
exposed
launch vehicle. (Yes, I know they also use catenary wires from the tower
to
the ground, but the rocket technique was supposedly to condition the area
around the vehicle just as launch occurred, and the tower was moved away
from the vehicle.)

Ed
wb6wsn

Yessir Ed. At NASA Wallops Island (Eastern Shore, VA) they regularly launch
sounding rockets. We have had one land well off course about 300 yards off
the Virginia Beach Oceanfront late one night. I was able to help call off
the extensive search involving air, sea and land assets when I convinced
District to check with Group Eastern Shore (who I had heard make the
Securite' announcement earlier, warning of the rocket launches). Witnesses
at the beach had reported a flaming plane crash in the water. When the CG
Helo pilot realized that it was probably a rocket, (and there were still
more scheduled) he bugged out fast.

As to triggering lightning with rockets, yes they do trail wire, and this
method of lightning experimentation provides excellent results. Makes sense
they would clear the air first before a launch, but I think they are pretty
sure lightning isn't likely before they light one of those candles, huh? The
static charges from a rocket alone must be impressive. Maybe it could
attract lightning from a lot farther than normally considered in the
risk-zone.

Jack
Va Beach