(12 Aug 2007) EM4517
HEADLINE: Shuttle Damage May Need Repairs
CAPTION: Laser inspection of damage reveals a gouge that goes all the way through 1-inch think tiles, repairs may be needed. (Aug. 12) 2007
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[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE]
[Notes:image of gouge]
THIS IS THE DAMAGE THAT'S GOT NASA OFFICIALS WORRIED.
[Notes:footage of shuttle and astronauts]
THE UNDERSIDE OF THE SHUTTLE HAS THREE DAMAGED TILES AND A GOUGE THAT GO ALL THE WAY THROUGH TO THE FELT MATERIAL UNDERNEATH. ASTRONAUTS USED A LASER WITH 3-D IMAGINE TO TO SCAN THE GOUGE.
[Notes:no video use - use video of foam break off]
"The belief is about 58 seconds after launch on Wednesday piece of foam popped off a bracket on the external tank, struck one of the external tank struts that connect the tank with the orbiter and bounced up and hit the belly."
(15 sec)
[Notes:file of columbia]
DURING RE-ENTRY TEMPERATURES IN THAT AREA CAN REACH 2,300 DEFREES FAHRENHEIT. SHUTTLE COLUMBIA WAS DESTROYED DURING RE-ENTRY IN 2003. WHEN HOT GASES SEEPED INTO A SIMILAR HOLE IN ONE OF ITS WINGS.
[Notes:wide shot of mission control]
NOW NASA OFFCIALS HAVE TWO CHOICES. THEY CAN SEND ASTRONAUTS ON -
[Notes:astronauts on spacewalk]
AN UNSCHEDULED AND RISKY SPACEWALK - TO MAKE REPAIRS. OR THEY CAN RISK RE-ENTRY WITH THE SHUTTLE'S BELLY EXPOSED.
[Notes:Earth move to NASA and mission control shots]
NASA OFFCIALS WILL CONDUCT HEATING TEST ON SIMILAR TILES HERE ON EARTH AND THEY EXPECT TO MAKE A DECISION ON THE SPACEWALK EARLY IN THE WEEK.
STORYLINE
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