NASA puts off shuttle space walk decision until Thursday

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2007

WASHINGTON (AFP) — NASA postponed by one day a decision on sending astronauts at the International Space Station on a spacewalk to repair damaged heat tiles on the Endeavour shuttle before it returns to Earth, the agency said late Wednesday.

Endeavour mission chief John Shannon said that initial assessments show that damage to the shuttle's structure did not appear to be severe, and that he was hopeful that there would not be a need for repairs.

"Yes, I will repeat it ... I am cautiously optimistic the repair won't be needed," he told reporters.

On Tuesday NASA had said that a decision would be made by Wednesday evening on how to deal with the 8.75 by 5.0 centimeter (3.5 by 2.0 inch) gouge in Endeavour's heat shield near a landing gear hatch, which likely...