[meteorite-list] Space Shuttle's Left Wing May Be Damaged

From: Darren Garrison <cynapse_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Tue, 12 Jun 2007 22:40:37 -0400
Message-ID: <d6mu63d0hgas7fikknfs8hgcgm5tcmbl5c_at_4ax.com>

http://www.nbc4.com/news/13490740/detail.html

Space Shuttle's Left Wing May Be Damaged
Meteorite, Space Junk May Have Struck Panels

POSTED: 5:13 pm EDT June 12, 2007
UPDATED: 7:00 pm EDT June 12, 2007

WASHINGTON -- A meteorite or space junk may have struck Space Shuttle Atlantis'
left wing, according to NBC News space correspondent Jay Barbree.

NASA recorded a hit on reinforced carbon panels 7 and 8 on the left wing. The
panels keep heat from re-entry from burning the spacecraft.

A senior NASA official told Barbree that they do not believe the strike did any
damage, but will check the area to make sure.

This is the same area where foam damaged Columbia's left wing and caused it to
break up, killing its crew on Feb. 1, 2003.

NASA will try to determine if the strike penetrated the leading part of
Atlantis' wing, Barbree reported. They have a highly sensitive laser/camera on
board that can be used by astronauts to take a look.

If needed, astronauts can do a personal inspection during the space walk
Wednesday afternoon.

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Received on Tue 12 Jun 2007 10:40:37 PM PDT