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
NASA 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.