Ripped energy panel on International Space Station fixed
A spacewalking astronaut fixed a ripped solar energy panel on the International Space Station today in a difficult and dangerous emergency procedure that allowed the crew to extend the wing to its full length.
Spacewalker Scott Parazynski installed home-made braces on the torn wing and clipped the snarled wires that had ripped it in two places as it was being unfurled Tuesday. He then watched as the crew deployed the wing to its full 115-foot length.
"Excellent work guys, excellent," space station commander Peggy Whitson said, after the wing was locked in place.
