The installation of the Columbus laboratory has been delayed 24 hours because the astronaut scheduled to do the spacewalk is ill.
The Space Shuttle Atlantis docked with the International Space Station (ISS) earlier today. The $2 billion Columbus laboratory was scheduled to be installed tomorrow, but NASA officials said it would be delayed until at least Monday. Though no reason was given, it is known that German astronaut, Hans Schlegel, is ill. Schlegel is to install the module, using the shuttle's robotic arm.
ESA astronaut, Leopold Eyharts, will remain on the station for a few weeks to commission Columbus. The installation makes the ESA a full member of the orbital project.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
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