 |  | | | | Lightning Detection... in a Flash
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10.18.04
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Thunderstorms are unpredictable, menacing and dangerous. And since
NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) averages 75 thunderstorm days a
year, the risk these rumbling monsters pose to employees,
facilities and multi-million-dollar launch vehicles like the Space
Shuttle is a major consideration that requires plenty of analysis
and extra caution.
Image to left: Black storm clouds
roll in over the Vehicle Assembly Building, bringing thunder and
heavy rain. Credit: NASA
KSC developed the Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR) System,
which helps NASA minimize unnecessary warnings, allowing the
workforce to get work done without endangering personnel or
hardware. Even better, the system can also be used by utility
companies, airports and more, directly benefiting people across
the nation.
Using seven antennae located around the region, the LDAR system
tracks the arrival times of electromagnetic pulses induced by
lightning. An analysis of this data tells weather officials the
exact location and altitude of all three types of lightning:
intracloud, cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning. The
system then provides a 3D view of lightning activity in real time
within 75 nautical miles of KSC. This capability sets it apart
from other commercial systems.
But since computer screens are two-dimensional, how can the LDAR
system display three dimensions of data? The LDAR display is
broken into four panels, three of which displays the same
lightning data from varying perspectives. The fourth shows a graph
that gives the user a time reference for the data displayed.
Image to right: The LDAR II
fiberglass lightning mast contains signal processors that provide
data to a computer where the user can then interpret the extent of
lightning hazard. Credit: NASA
NASA joined forces with Global Atmospherics, Inc. (GAI) -- now
Vaisala, Inc. -- the world's largest manufacturer of lightning
detection and location equipment that provides service to
customers in more than 40 countries. The company contributed its
extensive experience to prepare a system for commercial use. LDAR
II, now marketed under the Vaisala name, was designed with utility
providers, aviation companies, airports and launch centers with
commercial space vehicles in mind.
Every year, lightning causes more deaths in Florida than any other
weather hazard. But LDAR technology helps protect everything from
people to space vehicles, electric companies and launch pads.
For further information, visit:
Spinoff Online: Commercialized NASA Technology
NASA Connections to Everyday Life
Lightning Detection in a Flash
Courtesy of the NASA Innovative Technology Transfer Partnerships Program
NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center and Spinoff On-Line
Anna Heiney, KSC Staff Writer
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