posted September 20, 2006 01:30 AM         

NASA Delays Landing, Checks Object Near Atlantis

POSTED: 11:32 am EDT September 19, 2006

NASA is investigating Tuesday an object seen floating near space shuttle Atlantis that could indicate damage to the orbiter.

Shuttle program manager Wayne Hale said that an object was seen silhouetted against clouds on Earth shortly after a test of the craft's maneuvering rockets. Because of the timing and the fact that the object is in the same orbit as Atlantis, Hale said that "apparently something shook loose."

However, it was not clear exactly how close the debris is, or what it was. Hale suggested it could be something innocuous such as ice.

Tuesday, NASA decided to waive off a planned landing attempt Wednesday because of weather problems, as well as the new issue. Hale said at a noon EDT news conference that the crew was about to head into a sleep period, and that possible inspections would likely come after that time.

The work could include bringing the shuttle's robotic arm and camera back out for an inspection.

Hale said that it was hard to get much information about the piece of debris because the cameras in the payload bay that captured it were focused on Earth. Therefore, it is unclear the shape, size or distance from the shuttle of whatever it is.

"Our real emphasis is on ensuring the shuttle is safe," Hale said.

He also said that if repairs are needed, the shuttle may have equipment to make repairs in orbit, without returning to the International Space Station.

Previously, the astronauts were asked not to stow an antenna that allows cameras on the payload bay to send video back to Earth. Those cameras captured the object, according to reports on NASA-TV.

The shuttle undocked from the International Space Station over the weekend. NASA said Tuesday it was working on a plan for a Thursday landing.