The launchpad of NASA's new mega-rocket was struck by lightning on Saturday, but there was no damage.
NASA said that the event did no damage to the Artemis I, a 30-story vessel that aims to bring humans to the moon.
A bolt of lightning struck the tower supporting the rocket in a video shared by photographer Jerry Pike.
Lightning strikes the umbilical tower of NASA's new SLS rocket #Artemis #SLS #Lightning pic.twitter.com/lkuAzvUyLK
— Jerry Pike (@JerryPikePhoto) April 2, 2022
Artemis I was in the middle of a series of fueling tests when the lightning struck.
It was undamaged, but the three-day wet-dress rehearsal, the last major test before the rocket is launched on an uncrewed mission, was delayed several hours while the storm passed.
A wet-dress rehearsal is when launch controllers load up the rocket with fuel, count down the launch all the way down to 10 seconds before liftoff, then stop and empty the tanks.
According to an update from NASA, three of the four lightning bolts that hit the launchpad were relatively low intensity.
According to Space.com, NASA's deputy manager of the Exploration Ground Systems said that a fourth strike was the strongest they have seen since installing the new lightning protection system.
The launchpad's lightning protection system is made up of a fiberglass mast connected to a wire that diverts the lightning to the ground.
After a lightning bolt strikes the structure, the system has sensors that help monitor the health of the rocket.
The configuration helps keep the rocket isolated from dangerous currents.
NASA/Glenn Benson
Work platforms reveal the full size of the vehicle assembly building.
It is common for lightning delays in Cape Canaveral, the lighting capital of the US.
The fueling of the rocket was further delayed on Sunday after NASA detected a separate issue with fans that create positive pressure in the area around the launcher while it is loaded with fuel.
NASA said that without the fans, gases could build up that could be hazardous to staff.
The first iteration of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS), called Artemis I, is a new generation of giant rockets that were a decade in the making.
It is made up of four large engines, two rocket boosters, and a spaceship.
The Artemis I was rolled out last month.
NASA hopes to resume testing on Monday.
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