Correlation of Space Shuttle As-Built Atmospheric Capabilities with Known Atmospheric Conditions that Produce Lightning,

Abstract

This paper summarizes the atmospheric flight capabilities of the Space Shuttle; these capabilities are limited by vehicle systems such as structures, tiles, and RF navigation. An analysis of the storm parameters, and the launch and landing profiles at Cape Kennedy (the primary landing site) are examined. Spark-over field data for the Shuttle are calculated and coupled with electric field strengths found in Florida thunderstorms studies. Probabilities for encountering lightning strikes of varying magnitudes are proposed based on the above information and lightning amplitude statistics. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1983
Accession Number
ADP002190

Entities

People

  • T. Fitzsimmons

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Data Science
  • Electric Fields
  • Electricity
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Information Science
  • Lightning
  • Space Shuttles
  • Static Electricity
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Statistics
  • Thunderstorms

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Plasma Physics.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space