NASA astronauts to move Columbus over to space station

William Atkins
Monday, 11 February 2008 20:06

Science - Space

Most of the other areas of the shuttle, the wings, nose, and belly, have all been cleared of damage and are looking fine.

The complete inspection of the exterior of the shuttle is expected to be finished on Tuesday.

So far, a small tile was found to have fallen off and a few minor cracks found in the tiles around a window.

However, all locations are in non-critical spots, and will pose no problem for the shuttle astronauts when they return to Earth. 

Currently, all is fine for a safe return of Atlantis back to the Kennedy Space Center after it finishes its mission at the station now scheduled for February 19.

However, another day may be added if necessary.

Once the ISS/shuttle astronauts complete the installation of Columbus on ISS’ Harmony, ESA astronaut Leopold Eyharts will stay behind to head up the full activation of the ESA Columbus laboratory.

The process is expected to take a few weeks to complete.

For more information on the STS-122 mission, please go to: http://www.spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts122/080210fd4/index2.html.

Additinal information on the ESA Columbus website, which is found at: http://www.esa.int/esaHS/ESAAYI0VMOC_iss_0.html.