Astronauts aboard the US space shuttle Discoveryare today check for damage after Nasa said a chunk of foam may have hit one of its wing during lift-off yesterday.
"They want to get all of the angles to make sure that we haven't missed any small thing," deputy shuttle programme manger Wayne Hale said.
Nasa said yesterday that Discoveryescaped damage from the potentially deadly chunk of foam that broke off from the fuel tank, but may have been struck in the wing by a much smaller piece.
Even if the small foam fragment did hit, engineers believe the impact caused no damage of concern, Mr Hale said.
Despite the latest development, officials said Discoverystill looks safe to fly home in a week, but stressed it will be another few days before the space agency can conclusively give the shuttle a clean bill of health.
Nasa analysts have identified 11 areas - including the shuttle's wings, nose and belly - they wanted astronauts to take another look at today, using the shuttle's new laser-tipped extension to its robotic arm.
Astronauts were also preparing tools for the mission's first spacewalk due to take place tomorrow. Astronauts Stephen Robinson and Soichi Noguchi plan to exit the shuttle for three orbital outings.
During the spacewalks, the pair will try out new repair techniques for the shuttle's tiles and delicate carbon panels; replace a gyroscope, which helps steer the space station; and install a storage platform on the station.
AP