[TowerTalk] spider balls.. they work

[Dale Martin]

> >NASA uses these devices extensively at it's launch platforms in addition
> >to the more conventional means to manage lightning risk.
>
> NASA does NOT use these devices any more.  There was a test done quite a
> few years ago (Apollo era) and after several strikes on the dissipator
> itself, extensive review, etc. they went to a more conventional "Franklin
> type" (i.e. rod, good grounding, etc.) lightning protection scheme.  They
> actually have video of lightning striking the dissipators.  In the FAA
> installations often cited by the mfrs of the dissipators the same
> thing is
> true.
>

Thanks, Jim.

I was catching up on e-mail reading and about to comment about KSC's use of
those things.

For anyone who's interested about lightning protection at KSC, try this URL
below.

Ever wonder about that tall (80') white pole above the launch tower?

You'll find out about it here:
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/nasafact/pdf/Lightning%20at%20KSC2004.pdf

73,
dale, kg5u