Images Show No Significant Launch Damage To Orbiter's Heat Shield

So far, so good. As the crew onboard the shuttle Discovery spent their first full day in orbit Wednesday, the seven astronauts labored over pictures taken during an extensive inspection of the orbiter's outer skin, focusing in particular on three troublesome tiles on Discovery's wing.

The Associated Press reports STS-120 commander Pamela Melroy and her crew used a camera and laser sensor mounted to the orbiter's robotic arm to scan Discovery's belly, nosecone, and the leading edges of both wings.

As the inspection wound down just before 1200 EDT, Flight director Rick LaBrode gave a cautionary all-clear, stating no damage was evident.

However, NASA engineers will closely examine the images over the next several days, as well as photos to be taken Thursday by the crew onboard the International Space Station as the orbiter approaches to dock with the station.

NASA said at least six pieces of foam insulation fell from Discovery's external fuel tank during Tuesday's launch... but the debris posed little risk, as it shed from the tank after the first two minutes... the timeframe in which the orbiter is most vulnerable.

Throughout the day, the crew prepared for Thursday’s arrival at the International Space Station. The day's activities included the extension of the shuttle’s docking ring and the check out of tools they will use to rendezvous and link up with the station. Docking is scheduled to occur at 0833 EDT Thursday.

Earlier Wednesday, the STS-120 crew checked out spacesuits to be used during the mission's five scheduled spacewalks at the space station. One of the major objectives of the spacewalks is the temporary installation of the station’s newest component, the Node 2 module, also known as Harmony. In addition, the crew will relocate the station’s P6 truss and solar arrays.

Astronaut Daniel Tani, now onboard Discovery, will also join the Expedition 16 crew during the mission. He will replace Clayton Anderson, who will hitch a ride back home on the shuttle after spending five months in space.

FMI: www.nasa.gov