Design and Development of a Rocket-Triggered Lightning Facility in Malaysia

Abstract:
This paper presents an in-depth review of Rocket-Triggered Lightning (RTL) experiments carried out globally, highlighting the significance of the rocket-triggered lightning method in improving scientific understanding of lightning physics. The study presents a design for RTL sites in Malaysia, taking advantage of important elements such as the presence of thunderclouds, ground static field, and surrounding lightning activity. The paper reviews RTL experiments conducted in Japan, China, the USA, and Brazil, offering guidance for the implementation of RTL experiments in Malaysia. The study emphasizes the importance of conducting RTL experiments in tropical countries, specifically in Southeast Asia, and proposes that this would be the first RTL experiment in the region. This research enhances the understanding of lightning discharges, which have implications for lightning protection techniques and the study of lightning electromagnetic fields.