Computers Pass Test at Space Station

Jun 19, 07:58 AM

Current Headlines: The Associated Press

HOUSTON

Space shuttle Atlantis was cleared to depart the international space station after a test Monday showed Russian computers that crashed last week can control the outpost's orientation.

Officials examined test data and decided that the crucial computers controlled the station's thrusters properly. Atlantis is scheduled to undock today with a planned return to Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Thursday.

"We're happy to report that in the end of the game here, we have everything working as it's supposed to," said Phil Engelauf, chief of the flight directors' office. With the test a success, the crews of Atlantis and the space station said their formal farewells Monday during a brief ceremony before closing the hatches between the shuttle and the outpost in preparation for today's departure.

During the test, the space shuttle's thrusters took control of the joined craft so it could change positions to dump waste and water. Afterward, thrusters on the Russian side of the space station took over. During the third part of the test, U.S. computers sent commands to the Russian thrusters before the station's gyroscopes took over control.

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