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  • Shuttle Heat Shield Work This Weekend
  • APU Testing for Discovery
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  • Technicians Prepare for Crew Module Leak Checks
  • Main Engine Heat Shields Installation Today
  • Discovery Preps Continue Through the Weekend
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STS-117: Hail Damaged Orbiter Wing And Tank

Monday's hailstorm did not only ding the foam on Atlantis' ET, it damaged some tiles on the Orbiter's left wing as well. NASA reports…

Atlantis to Roll Back

At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center about 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 26. A full assessment of the storm's impact is under way. NASA PHOTO NO: KSC-07PD-0546NASA officials have made the decision that Space Shuttle Atlantis will roll back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repair on Saturday, March 3 with first motion scheduled for 7 a.m.

Monday's severe thunderstorm with hail caused what could be 1,000 to 2,000 divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing.

Further evaluation of the tank is necessary to get an accurate accounting of foam damage and must be done in the Vehicle Assembly Building, where the entire tank can be more easily accessed.

Continue reading STS-117: Hail Damaged Orbiter Wing And Tank