Floating object seen near Discovery shuttle
Experts are studying the 'bump' seen on Discovery's rudder
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Friday, 13, Jun 2008 05:13
Experts at Nasa's mission control are studying images of the space shuttle Discovery after a bump was discovered on its rudder.
The bump was observed after a floating object was seen moving away from the shuttle earlier today.
The one-foot-long object was captured on camera floating away from the shuttle from behind the rear portion of the right wing.
Mission control told Discovery commander Mark Kelly this afternoon that they believe the object to be a clip that is used to protect the speed brake from heating during ascent.
The loss of the speed brake is said to be "no concern for re-entry", which is due to take place tomorrow.
Discovery has been at the International Space Station (ISS) since the beginning of June on a mission to attach the Japanese laboratory Kibo to the orbiting outpost.
The laboratory, which is the size of a bus, joins the US Destiny lab and European Columbus lab on the ISS.