Tech Shout!

Earlier this week, we had reported that the Atlantis space shuttle had safely reached the International Space Station (ISS). However, a new problem has risen at the orbital space station. The computers in the Russian segment of the space shuttle faced huge problems.

It could be a matter of concern for the astronauts as those computers control navigation and key life-support systems on the ISS. However, Mike Suffredini, programme manager ISS said that there is no need to worry. He was of the view that moving out of the International Space Station temporarily would be a worst-case scenario.

The problem occurred after the new solar power unit was installed. Engineers are now studying the problem and one of the solutions could be disconnecting the new solar power unit to reboot the computers. Authorities are also pondering whether they should extend the stay of the Atlantis by some days. However, the Atlantis can’t stay more than fifteen days.

Besides the computer problems, one more thing that will worry the astronauts is the damaged heat shield of the Atlantis. They did make a stop-gap arrangement by staples to try to pin down a loose thermal blanket. However, the safe method would be to surgically stapling and pinning back in place the portion of heat-shield blanket. It had pulled loose from an engine pod as the shuttle launched on Friday.

It seems that NASA as well as the ISS authorities will have a busy week ahead. Anyway, let’s hope everything goes well, especially the return of Atlantis, which will be bringing back Sunita Williams to Earth.