
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just before dawn on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed after rollback of the rotating service structure (at left). The shuttle is being rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be examined for hail damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused 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 determine the type of repair required and the time needed for that work. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
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NASA ID
KSC-07pd0551
Date Created
March 4, 2007
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Location
Kennedy Space Center, FL
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