Shuttle launch team evaluating lightning strike near launch pad – RSS Rollback delayed

The space shuttle launch team is evaluating a possible lightning strike that occurred within one third of a mile of NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A. Engineers will review data to determine if the lightning affected space shuttle Atlantis or any of the ground support equipment.

A continuing band of thunderstorms has prevented teams from conducting a detailed pad inspection, which must be performed before the Rotating Service Structure (RSS) can be rolled back away from Atlantis.

Once the RSS is rolled back, the teams will continue work that must be performed before fueling Atlantis’ external tank early Friday morning. RSS rollback originally was planned for 2 p.m. EDT.