Lightning rocket
Encyclopedia
The term lightning rocket can generically describe a rocket device used to trigger lightning as well as a specific system patented by Robert E. Betts.
The Betts lightning rocket patented in 2003 consists of a rocket
launcher that is in communication with a detection device that measures the presence of electrostatic and ion
ic change in close proximity to the rocket launcher that also fires the rocket. This system is designed to control the time
and the location
of a lightning strike
. A lightning rocket can have solid propellant that has cesium salts added which produces a conductive path when the exhaust gases are discharged from the rocket that is expelled to the static layer of a thundercloud. A conducting lightning rod
which is grounded and positioned alongside the launch tube for the solid propellant is in communication with the conductive path to thereby control the time and location of a lightning strike from the thundercloud. In a liquid expelled rocket a solution of calcium chloride is used to form a conductive path from a thundercloud. As the rocket flies to the thundercloud this liquid is expelled aft forming a column in the air of particles that are more electrically conductive than the surrounding air. In a similar fashion to the system employing a solid propellant as the conductive producer this conductive path conducts a lightning strike to ground to thereby control the time and location of a lightning strike from the thundercloud.
The traditional lightning rocket by comparison is simply a rocket (generally about the size of a man) that has a fine copper attached to conduct the electrostatic charge to the ground. The system consists of a specially designed launch pad with lightning rods and conductors attached. The launch pad is either controlled wirelessly or via pneumatic line to the control station to prevent the discharge traveling to the control equipment. The fine copper wire (more recently reinforced with kevlar) is attached to the ground and plays out from the rocket as it ascends. The initial strike follows this wire and is as a result unusually straight. As the wire is vaporized by the initial strike subsequent strikes are more angular in nature following the ionization trail of the initial strike. Rockets of this type are used for both lightning research and lightning control.
The Betts lightning rocket patented in 2003 consists of a rocket
Rocket
A rocket is a missile, spacecraft, aircraft or other vehicle which obtains thrust from a rocket engine. In all rockets, the exhaust is formed entirely from propellants carried within the rocket before use. Rocket engines work by action and reaction...
launcher that is in communication with a detection device that measures the presence of electrostatic and ion
Ion
An ion is an atom or molecule in which the total number of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons, giving it a net positive or negative electrical charge. The name was given by physicist Michael Faraday for the substances that allow a current to pass between electrodes in a...
ic change in close proximity to the rocket launcher that also fires the rocket. This system is designed to control the time
Time
Time is a part of the measuring system used to sequence events, to compare the durations of events and the intervals between them, and to quantify rates of change such as the motions of objects....
and the location
Location (geography)
The terms location and place in geography are used to identify a point or an area on the Earth's surface or elsewhere. The term 'location' generally implies a higher degree of can certainty than "place" which often has an ambiguous boundary relying more on human/social attributes of place identity...
of a lightning strike
Lightning strike
Lightning strikes are electrical discharges caused by lightning, typically during thunderstorms.Humans can be hit by lightning directly when outdoors. Contrary to popular notion, there is no 'safe' location outdoors. People have been struck in sheds and makeshift shelters...
. A lightning rocket can have solid propellant that has cesium salts added which produces a conductive path when the exhaust gases are discharged from the rocket that is expelled to the static layer of a thundercloud. A conducting lightning rod
Lightning rod
A lightning rod or lightning conductor is a metal rod or conductor mounted on top of a building and electrically connected to the ground through a wire, to protect the building in the event of lightning...
which is grounded and positioned alongside the launch tube for the solid propellant is in communication with the conductive path to thereby control the time and location of a lightning strike from the thundercloud. In a liquid expelled rocket a solution of calcium chloride is used to form a conductive path from a thundercloud. As the rocket flies to the thundercloud this liquid is expelled aft forming a column in the air of particles that are more electrically conductive than the surrounding air. In a similar fashion to the system employing a solid propellant as the conductive producer this conductive path conducts a lightning strike to ground to thereby control the time and location of a lightning strike from the thundercloud.
The traditional lightning rocket by comparison is simply a rocket (generally about the size of a man) that has a fine copper attached to conduct the electrostatic charge to the ground. The system consists of a specially designed launch pad with lightning rods and conductors attached. The launch pad is either controlled wirelessly or via pneumatic line to the control station to prevent the discharge traveling to the control equipment. The fine copper wire (more recently reinforced with kevlar) is attached to the ground and plays out from the rocket as it ascends. The initial strike follows this wire and is as a result unusually straight. As the wire is vaporized by the initial strike subsequent strikes are more angular in nature following the ionization trail of the initial strike. Rockets of this type are used for both lightning research and lightning control.
External articles and references
- July 25, 2002, triggered lightning video, Betts, Lightning rocket, July 22, 2003
- 30 January 2003 Space.com article