See it: Lightning strikes Chinese rocket after liftoff
A Chinese Long March-3B rocket successfully delivered the Tianlian-2 06 data-relay satellite into its planned orbit despite a dramatic lightning strike during ascent. The incident occurred shortly after liftoff from Xichang as a bright bolt appeared to strike the vehicle, yet mission controllers confirmed the satellite reached its transfer orbit. The event underscores the ongoing risks lightning poses to launches, prompting strict weather constraints used by NASA and other agencies to mitigate such hazards. The longer-term context shows continued reliance on robust safety rules to protect launches while enabling timely space infrastructure development.
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The Long March-3B rocket lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 8 p.m. local time with the Tianlian-2 06 satellite, a relay asset to support communications with China’s Tiangong space station.
Approximately 40 seconds after liftoff, a bright lightning strike appeared to hit the rocket as it ascended through clouds, yet the vehicle continued its flight and reached the planned orbit.
The Tianlian-2 06 satellite was deployed into its intended transfer orbit, marking a successful mission despite the dramatic electrical event.
Lightning poses a major risk to launches, leading agencies to follow Weather Rules such as the Lightning Launch Commit Criteria to minimize strikes and electrical disruption during ascent.
Historically, lightning events have shaped launch safety policies, notably Apollo 12’s two near-simultaneous strikes in 1969 and the 1987 Atlas-Centaur failure that spurred strengthened restrictions still used today.