Survey of CGLSS/SLC40 lightning data and retest criteria

Approximately six years (1/1990-10/1995) of the Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Surveillance System (CGLSS) data for Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS) Space Launch Complex (SLC)40 have been surveyed for correlation to lightning damage searches based on present retest criteria. It is very important to understand whether the data can be used effectively to support launch operations, because many LV/SV contractors use the CGLSS data to formulate their lightning damage search/retest criteria for launch processing. Important CGLSS parameters such as peak lightning current amplitudes, distances from SLC40, and azimuth angles relative to SLC40 were examined and tabulated for correlation with lightning damage search criteria. Seasonal dependence and the flash density were also derived. The survey re-enforces the view that a more cost-effective lightning monitoring system, complemented by a lightning damage search (retest) criterion based on the Chain algorithm is warranted and recommended