A Long March-3B carrier rocket carrying the Tianlian II-06 satellite was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center on July 23. Footage appeared to show lightning striking the vehicle as it climbed through the clouds, but the satellite entered its planned orbit, and the mission was declared a success.

The flash may have been triggered by the rocket itself. When a rocket's long, conductive body and electrically conductive exhaust plume pass through a charged cloud, they can create a path through the surrounding electric field and initiate a lightning discharge.

Modern rockets are therefore designed to withstand electrical disturbances. Much of the current from a lightning strike can travel along the vehicle's conductive exterior, while shielding and overvoltage protection reduce the risk to flight-control computers, satellites and other sensitive electronics.

These protections reduce the danger, but do not make rockets immune. In November 1969, lightning struck NASA's Apollo 12 twice shortly after liftoff, disrupting several electrical and navigation systems. The crew and mission controllers restored critical readings, allowing the spacecraft to continue its journey and eventually land on the moon.

The consequences were more severe in March 1987, when a US Atlas-Centaur rocket triggered lightning about 48 seconds after liftoff. An electrical signal entered wiring connected to its digital computer, ultimately causing the vehicle to break up.

Because both natural and rocket-triggered lightning can threaten rockets and their payloads, launch sites impose strict weather criteria. A launch may be delayed if thunderstorms, lightning or dangerous atmospheric electric fields are detected near the flight path.

Rain alone does not necessarily prevent a launch. The decision also depends on cloud conditions, electric-field measurements and other weather data. Although protective systems can limit the effects of a strike, avoiding hazardous conditions remains the first line of defense.

Beyond the dramatic lightning footage, the launch strengthened China's second-generation space-based data relay network. Tianlian II-06 provides tracking, telemetry and data relay services for the Tiangong space station, crewed spacecraft, resource satellites and rocket launches. The Tianlian II system offers greater transmission capacity, broader coverage and improved support for multiple spacecraft. It now comprises of six satellites launched since 2019, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

(Cover via VCG)