[meteorite-list] Space Shuttle's Left Wing May Have Been Hit

[Ron Baalke]

http://www.longislandpress.com/?cp=53&show=article&a_id=12193abuse-of-science/

Atlantis' Wing May Have Been Hit       
By Tara Powers 
Long Island Press
June 12, 2007

NASA officials were alerted Tuesday to the possibility of a hit on 
the leading edge of the space shuttle Atlantis' left wing, in the 
same spot that resulted in devastating damage to the Columbia space 
shuttle in 2003.

Officials stressed that there was probably no damage to the shuttle, 
although an inspection of the affected spot will be conducted to 
verify this.  The sensors, which are located in two of the panels 
designed to prevent the spacecraft from overheating during re-entry 
into the atmosphere, were improved upon after seven astronauts 
perished in the loss of the Columbia shuttle.

Impact from a small meteorite or a piece of debris may have caused the 
hit to register, even if no significant damage was sustained.  A 
spacewalk is scheduled for Wednesday, during which astronauts could 
examine the wing more thoroughly if need be.

Atlantis is currently orbiting the international space station, 
allowing astronauts to install new solar panels on the station and 
fix a thermal blanket on the shuttle's tail that peeled back during 
launch, leaving a gap that could potentially be a th
reat during re-entry.

Representatives from NASA's Newsroom and Public Inquiries offices were 
unavailable for comment.