A new comprehensive lightning instrumentation system for pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Abstract

A new comprehensive lightning instrumentation system has been designed for Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. This new instrumentation system includes the synchronized recording of six high-speed video cameras; currents through the nine downconductors of the new lightning protection system; four dH/dt, 3-axis measurement stations; and five dE/dt stations composed of two antennas each. The instrumentation system is composed of centralized transient recorders and digitizers that are located close to the sensors in the field. The sensors and transient recorders communicate via optical fiber. Sensor outputs are sampled by fiber-optic digitizers, which transmit the digitized data to transient recorders via fiber optics. The transient recorders are triggered by the dH/dt sensors, the dE/dt sensors, or the current through the downlead conductors. The high-speed cameras are triggered by the trigger output of one of the transient recorders when any of the recorders perceive a qualified trigger.