A Chinese Long March 3B rocket was struck by lightning moments after lifting off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre on Thursday, creating dramatic visuals as it climbed through stormy skies. Despite the lightning strike, the launch proceeded as planned, with the rocket successfully placing the Tianlian II-06 data relay satellite into its geostationary transfer orbit. The incident occurred shortly after liftoff, when the rocket encountered severe weather during its ascent.

Lightning appeared to strike the vehicle directly, but caused no technical issues. The incident has drawn comparisons with NASA’s Apollo 12 mission, which was struck by lightning twice shortly after launch from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on November 14, 1969.