
Ground controllers beamed up computer commands to lock solar wing blanket boxes and stretch the repaired array to ensure adequate tension and structural integrity, and it appears that the spacewalking work can be deemed an outstanding success.
"It's all tensioned up now and we'll take any photos you can give us," NASA astronaut Kevin Ford called up to shuttle skipper Pam Melroy, who was monitoring the wing as ground controllers tightened it up.
"And if you could take a good look around the repaired area for any tears we might not have seen before, or anything, and report to us, that would be great," he said "Otherwise, I think we're looking good."
Peering out Discovery's flight deck windows, Melroy said the gleaming gold solar wing appears to be completely taut, and she reported no additional damage.
"I've been scanning it up and down with the binoculars, and it really does look good other than the damage we already know about," she said.
Okay, very nice, and congratulations," Ford said.
"Same to you," Melroy replied.
Mission Control has activated a giant rotary joint on the port side of the station's central truss so the wing can automatically track the sun, maximizing the collection of solar energy and electrical output.



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