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Lightning strikes near space shuttle launch pad

Lightning strikes near space shuttle launch pad - image

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA is checking for any damage to space shuttle Atlantis or the launch pad after a lightning strike.

Atlantis is poised to blast off Friday on the very last shuttle flight. Thunderstorms, however, are threatening to keep the spaceship on the ground.

On Thursday, heavy rain and storms pelted the Florida launch site. Early in the afternoon, NASA reported a lightning strike within half a kilometre of the pad. NASA says there are no immediate signs of damage, but technicians are checking the electrical systems.

The shuttle has yet to be fueled for its historic mission. And the four astronauts won’t board until Friday.

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