Shuttle Atlantis Prepares to Return Home

Jun 18, 07:27 PM

Current Headlines: A revived set of crucial computers aboard the international space station underwent one more test yesterday before they are given a clean bill of health so shuttle Atlantis can return home.

The test will help determine if two Russian computers are ready to control the space station's orientation as Atlantis managers decide whether the shuttle should spend another day at the outpost.

During a computer meltdown last week, the shuttle's thrusters were used to help the station maintain its position. The station's thrusters have not been used since.

"That's a big step in our checkout of the computers to make sure everything is working correctly," flight director Holly Ridings said yesterday. "It's one of those things we want to see before we undock."

Atlantis is set to undock today and land on Thursday in Cape Canaveral, Florida The shuttle has been at the space station since June 10.

The computers, which also control oxygen production, crashed last week. All six of the computers' processors were back online on Saturday. The two processors that took longer to revive are now on standby mode and can be used if needed.

Except for an oxygen generator, all the space station systems that were powered down when the computers failed are now running.

Also yesterday, Atlantis' crew was to finish packing the shuttle for its return trip to Earth. The shuttle and space station crews were set to say their goodbyes before hatches between Atlantis and the outpost are closed in preparation for today's undocking.

Agencies

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