The U.S. new-generation lunar rocket "Space Launch System" was scheduled to launch for the first time on the 29th, but it encountered thunderstorms after the countdown started 48 hours before the launch, and the launch pad was struck by lightning three times.

　Not very powerful

　　The NASA website issued a statement saying that the Kennedy Space Center in Florida continued to experience thunderstorms on the afternoon of the 27th, and the lightning protection device of the 39B launch pad where the Space Launch System was located was struck by lightning three times.

The lightning protection device includes three lightning protection towers and wires about 182 meters high to protect the rocket and the spacecraft it carries.

At 9:53 a.m. local time on the same day, the launch team staff were in place, and the countdown 48 hours before the launch officially began.

　　Preliminary data showed that the lightning strikes were not very powerful, the statement said.

Meteorological staff collected data on lightning strike voltage and current, which will be shared with electromagnetic environment experts to assess the impact of lightning strikes on launch missions.

　　The launch team staff will carry out various preparations before the rocket launch overnight, including charging the rocket core stage and the "Orion" spacecraft battery.

　70% probability

　　NASA said on the 26th that meteorological experts predict that there is a 70% probability of favorable weather for a rocket launch on the 29th.

　　The space launch system is planned to be launched from 8:33 to 10:33 on the 29th, carrying the "Orion" spacecraft to perform the "Artemis 1" unmanned flight test mission around the moon.

If this window is missed, the launch will be delayed until September 2 or 5.

Meteorological experts predict that sporadic showers are the unfavorable weather conditions that may occur during this window time.

　　"Artemis 1" is the first step in the US plan to return to the moon.

If the mission is successful, NASA expects to launch the "Artemis 2" manned lunar orbital mission as early as 2024, and finally the "Artemis 3" lunar landing mission.

　　Under the Artemis program, American astronauts could return to the moon as early as the end of 2025.

Since the launch of the plan, related projects have been repeatedly delayed and exceeded the budget.