July 7th, 2011
02:52 PM ET

NASA checking possible lightning strike near Atlantis

[Updated at 4:53 p.m. ET] NASA is investigating a possible lightning strike within one third of a mile of the space shuttle Atlantis, which is scheduled to launch for the final time on Friday.

Engineers will review data to determine if the lightning affected the shuttle or any of the launch pad's ground support equipment, according to a NASA statement.

A steady band of thunderstorms has hampered inspection teams from reviewing the facility, potentially delaying the launch, scheduled for 11:26 a.m. on Friday.

But workers on Thursday afternoon began procedures that would allow inspectors to investigate the incident for potential damage.

Currently the launch time remains unchanged, despite only a 30% chance of favorable weather, according to the statement.

Atlantis is poised to perform the last mission of the 30-year-old shuttle program. On board will be a four-person, veteran crew of astronauts, headed to the international space station with a load of supplies.

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Filed under: Florida • Shuttle • Space
soundoff (24 Responses)
  1. Mack in Hollywood

    I wish that everyone understood the significance of these two Florida lightning strikes as well as I.
    God has been active in that state recently for two reasons: the acquittal of Casey Anthony, and our intrusion into space, which is knock, knock, knocking on Heaven's door by NASA before it becomes His time for the Rapture.
    Of COURSE no one saw the lightning that struck Caylee's memorial tree, and God didn't need angels to make the bolt of lightning–although sometimes He tells angels to do that. God simply willed invisible lightning to be at that tree and damage it, much as He did with the burning bush about
    which you can read if you open your Bibles.
    God told me that He put the lightning at Caylee's little tree because He didn't find pleasure in the jury's verdict about that Casey.
    "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?"
    However, be assured that He is.
    Yes, He surely is.

    July 8, 2011 at 6:23 am | Report abuse |
  2. Diether

    @ Mack in Hollywood:
    You are a very stupid man.
    Also, you have developed a grossly California mentality during the short time that you have been in Hollywood.
    You should go back to driving your truck.

    July 8, 2011 at 6:30 am | Report abuse |
    • Free-Bird

      @ Diether ,,,What makes Mack so stupid is it because he posted something you can't comprehend and understand ?

      July 8, 2011 at 8:27 am | Report abuse |
    • LD

      Mack exhibits the kind of religious zeal that makes people do aggressive things against humanity. He is frightening me with his crazy talk and should worship his merciless and supposedly talking "God" and see if he can find David Koresh out there in the wind.

      Bless your poor insane heart, Mack. I pray to my God that you will find solace and stop worrying about where the lightening strikes. Live your life and stop publishing the crazy talk. Start taking your meds.

      July 8, 2011 at 11:03 am | Report abuse |
  3. Dr Poopenstien

    wake up and smell the doodoo.

    July 8, 2011 at 6:33 am | Report abuse |
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