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Shuttle speeds to space station Shuttle speeds to space station
(30 minutes later)
Space shuttle Atlantis is approaching the International Space Station (ISS), where it is due to dock within hours in the first such mission of 2007. Space shuttle Atlantis is approaching the International Space Station (ISS), on the first shuttle mission of 2007.
Nasa scientists have been examining damage to a thermal blanket sustained during Saturday's take-off. The shuttle is due to dock with the ISS at 1938 GMT, as news emerged that it suffered some damage during Saturday's launch.
They have been analysing pictures of the damage, gathered by a camera at the end of Atlantis' robotic arm. Nasa scientists have been examining the damage, which left a tear on a thermal blanket.
They have been analysing pictures of the affected area, gathered by a camera at the end of Atlantis' robotic arm.
But a spokesman said it would not stop the docking, saying: "We do not see any cause for concern right now."But a spokesman said it would not stop the docking, saying: "We do not see any cause for concern right now."
The seven astronauts aboard Atlantis will continue installation work on the ISS, adding a new pair of solar panels to increase its power generation capacity, paving the way for Europe's Columbus module to join the station later this year.The seven astronauts aboard Atlantis will continue installation work on the ISS, adding a new pair of solar panels to increase its power generation capacity, paving the way for Europe's Columbus module to join the station later this year.
DelaysDelays
The 10cm (4in) tear in the shuttle's thermal blanket raised concerns because damage sustained by the shuttle Columbia in 2003 during its launch led to its disintegration as it returned to Earth, killing all seven crew.The 10cm (4in) tear in the shuttle's thermal blanket raised concerns because damage sustained by the shuttle Columbia in 2003 during its launch led to its disintegration as it returned to Earth, killing all seven crew.
The damage to the blanket should not stop the shuttle dockingThe damage to the blanket should not stop the shuttle docking
Nasa spokesmen said that the agency did not consider the damage significant, but that commander Frederick Sturckow would perform a slow-motion backflip as Atlantis approached the ISS to allow station crew to take further photos of the shuttle's underbelly. Nasa spokesmen said that the agency did not consider the damage significant, but that commander Frederick Sturckow would perform a slow-motion back flip as Atlantis approached the ISS to allow station crew to take further photos of the shuttle's underbelly.
Nasa had hoped to be launching its second flight of the year by now, but an unusual storm passed over the Florida launch site in late February and dropped large hailstones on the shuttle, delaying the mid-March flight.Nasa had hoped to be launching its second flight of the year by now, but an unusual storm passed over the Florida launch site in late February and dropped large hailstones on the shuttle, delaying the mid-March flight.
Despite the delays, managers are confident they will be able to complete the station before the shuttles' 2010 retirement date.Despite the delays, managers are confident they will be able to complete the station before the shuttles' 2010 retirement date.
Nasa plans to fly 15 more missions to the station to deliver large components, spare parts and other supplies. In addition, one final servicing call to the Hubble Space Telescope is planned for September 2008.Nasa plans to fly 15 more missions to the station to deliver large components, spare parts and other supplies. In addition, one final servicing call to the Hubble Space Telescope is planned for September 2008.
Before completion, the station is expected to be able to support six resident crewmembers - twice as many as now.Before completion, the station is expected to be able to support six resident crewmembers - twice as many as now.
In graphics: Space stationIn graphics: Space station
Atlantis' crew includes commander Frederick Sturckow, pilot Lee Archambault, lead spacewalker James Reilly, Pat Forrester, John "Danny" Olivas, Steven Swanson and Clayton Anderson.Atlantis' crew includes commander Frederick Sturckow, pilot Lee Archambault, lead spacewalker James Reilly, Pat Forrester, John "Danny" Olivas, Steven Swanson and Clayton Anderson.
Cdr Sturckow has two previous spaceflights and Col Forrester has one.Cdr Sturckow has two previous spaceflights and Col Forrester has one.
Mr Anderson will not be coming home with the Atlantis astronauts.Mr Anderson will not be coming home with the Atlantis astronauts.
His job is to replace Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been aboard the space station since December. She will return with the Atlantis astronauts.His job is to replace Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been aboard the space station since December. She will return with the Atlantis astronauts.