The shuttle astronauts can't catch a break this week. While unfurling a solar array critical for the International Space Station's (ISS) power system today, a panel ripped, raising questions about the facility's ability to support planned new science facilities.
Crewmembers from the Discovery had already discovered problems with a joint that allows one solar array to track the sun. NASA control had added a day to the shuttle's mission, so that astronauts could investigate that issue.
The new problem occurred as the long, wing-like panels were being extended after the installation of a new support girder. According to the Associated Press, part of the panels appeared "torn and crumpled" in television pictures relayed from the operation.
The solar power facility will be needed to support two new science modules, Europe's Columbus and Japan's Kibo, scheduled for delivery later this year and next. Without the ripped panel, the facility could have trouble supporting Kibo's work, NASA officials told the AP.
So far, the array has been retracted to remove tension from the damaged panel, and astronauts have sent pictures back to Earth. For more, follow the AP story below.
Solar panel on space station rips while opening [Associated Press]
(Image: The International Space Station's undamaged solar array. Credit: NASA TV)
