By
The Associated Press
Published: Tue, March 11, 2008 - 7:29 pm
Last Updated: Tue, March 11, 2008 - 7:37 pm
Last Updated: Tue, March 11, 2008 - 7:37 pm
into their first full day in orbit today as the shuttle pursued the
international space station.
Their main task will be delivering a giant robot and the first
piece of a new Japanese lab.
Launch cameras captured only one significant piece of foam or
other debris coming off Endeavour's tank, just over a minute into
the flight. It appeared to miss the right wing.
To be certain of that and to check for other possible damage,
Endeavour's astronauts geared up for a slow-motion laser inspection
of the shuttle wings and nose late today. The inspection has been
standard procedure ever since the 2003 Columbia disaster in which
seven astronauts died.
It was the first major chore of the 16-day flight, the longest
space station mission ever planned for a shuttle.
To watch Tuesday morning's launch, click here.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Data Survived Shuttle Columbia Disaster
News Map
Email to a Friend 
Printer Friendly 
Recently Commented On