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| This image provided by NASA shows the STS-127 external fuel tank falling to earth as it begins its relative separation from the Space Shuttle Endeavour following launch Wednesday July 15, 2009. Shuttle program manager John Shannon said the thin layer of foam insulation on the central area of the tank peeled away in approximately 6-inch strips as Endeavour blasted toward orbit Wednesday. Three of these strips can be clearly seen in this photo to left of the lower pipe. |
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- Space shuttle Endeavour is closing in on the international space station following a two-day chase.
Before docking at the space station Friday afternoon, Endeavour will perform a backflip so the station crew can photograph its entire surface. NASA wants to see whether the shuttle suffered any significant launch damage. An unusually large amount of foam insulation peeled away from a the fuel tank during Wednesday's liftoff.
Endeavour's thermal tiles were dinged in several places by foam. But that damage is considered minor.
The shuttle and its seven astronauts are delivering the last piece of Japan's space station lab, a porch for experiments. Endeavour will remain at the space station for 1 1/2 weeks.
