NASA Discovery Heat Shield Inspected

Houston (dbTechno) – NASA astronauts currently on-board the shuttle Discovery are experiencing their first full day in orbit and have one key mission ahead of them, to inspect the heat shield on their way to the International Space Station.

The seven-astronaut crew currently on the Discovery got to work on Wednesday with a laser sensor-tipped extension. This was connected to the robotic arm of the Discovery which allowed them to look over the heat shield panels which are very important to completing the mission and getting home safely.

It appears according to early reports that all is well with the heat shield of Discovery. NASA’s shuttle flight director Rick LaBrode stated “I personally did not see anything of significance.”

The Discovery is part of a 14-day construction mission which is being described by NASA as a very challenging endeavour. The shuttle astronauts are delivering Harmony which will act as a connector to allow the International Space Station to link up with future laboratories from Europe and Asia to the International Space Station.

There will be five planned spacewalks during the journey outside of the ISS.
Astronauts are also going to be moving a huge solar power segment during the mission. Veteran astronaut Pamela Melroy is the Commander of Discovery. The inspection of the heat shield panels is still ongoing.

• Share
• Tweet
• "&title=""">