Lightning strikes while, in the background, Space Shuttle Endeavour sits on Launch Pad 39A. Afternoon thunderstorms at Kennedy Space Center in Florida commonly occur at this time of year. Lightning strikes the two shuttle launch pads about five times each year, according to NASA records.

The rotating service structure stands enclosing the space shuttle.

Endeavour is awaiting launch on mission STS-118. The mission will be the 20th flight for orbiter Endeavour, and the 22nd flight to the International Space Station. Launch is scheduled for August 7.

• NASA's STS-118: Teaching the Future Through ISS Assembly
• The Science of Lightning, Thunder and Thunderstorms
• Zap! Rockets Trigger Lightning, Scientists Discover X-rays

--NASA and SPACE.com Staff

Credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley