Despite two additional objects found floating in the vicinity, Atlantis is cleared for a return early tomorrow. ALthough the source of the objects hasn't yet been identified, the Thermal Protection System looks sound, and that was their biggest worry. The new plan changes the ground track so it will no longer be flying up the East Coast.
"The STS-115 astronauts wrapped up inspections of Space Shuttle Atlantis' heat shield earlier today and are now preparing for the return to Earth. Atlantis' next landing opportunity at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., is at 6:21 a.m. EDT Thursday. During the first inspection, the astronauts used cameras on the shuttle’s robotic arm to conduct the scans. Imagery specialists and engineers reviewed the data from today’s scan and from previous activities. They did not see any areas of concern from the first inspection."
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