CGLSS
Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Surveillance System

The Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Surveillance System (CGLSS) is a ground-based lightning detection network located at Kennedy Space Center and operated by the United States Air Force. It includes six medium-gain IMPACT Enhanced Sensitivity and Performance (ESP) sensors developed by Vaisala. The CGLSS network detects cloud-to-ground lightning by capturing electromagnetic waveforms of the return stroke, transmits that data to a central processor, which estimates the stroke's intensity and location, and delivers this information to users in real-time. Lightning data from the network supports decisions related to ground and launch activities along the Florida coast.