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Spinoff story
Surveillance System Captures, Maps Lightning Strikes
A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.
About this technology
Overview
Lightning strikes cause critical damage that can delay a launch, so NASA wanted a better system to detect and monitor them near its launch pads. Carlos Mata, then of Kennedy Space Center, built a highly accurate system using sensors and high-speed cameras, and then founded Titusville, Florida-based Scientific Lightning Solutions to sell it commercially. The Optical Jupiter precision lightning surveillance system could help keep wind farms functioning and help insurance companies investigate claims.