Jul 25 1971
From The Space Library
President Nixon telephoned Apollo 15 astronauts to extend good wishes on eve of launch. (PD, 8/2/71, 1099)
KSC launch complex where Apollo 15 spacecraft and Saturn V booster stood ready for liftoff had been struck by lightning 11 times during past six weeks, Washington Post reported. First strike, June 14, had been equivalent to 98 000 amps-almost three times as powerful as average lightning strike and two thirds as strong as biggest lightning strike ever recorded in Florida. Two more strikes had followed within 15 min of each other and a 31 000-amp strike had hit launch pad one day later. On July 20 five separate lightning bolts with total amperage of almost 100 000 amps had been recorded. Ninth strike of 22 000 amps had occurred June 25, and last weakest to date at 6600 amps-had occurred July 19. Neither spacecraft nor launch vehicle had been damaged. Apollo 15 was first spacecraft to have even a near miss from lightning strikes while being prepared for launch. (W Post, 7/25/71, A16)
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