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Issues arising with the space shuttle while it is up in space is never a good sign.  In fact, it is probably one of the worst pieces of news that NASA ground control can get.  An object has been found trailing the shuttle, and NASA has finally discovered what it is.  The news: not so good.

(CNN) — The debris spotted floating away from space shuttle Discovery has been preliminarily identified as a thermal clip from the shuttle’s brake system, NASA said Friday.

The clip — one of three on the rudder speed brake — protects the brake during launch and ascent.

The problem will not affect Saturday’s planned landing, NASA spokesman Rob Navias said.

Link: CNN

The goods news however, is that NASA says the problem will not effect the landing scheduled for the end of the week.  Although the heat shield is responsible for keeping the astronauts alive during their descent to Earth, the missing clip should not influence the landing.

Here is to hoping they get home safely.

Justin

Tags: heat, international, NASA, shield, Space Station, thermal

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