The Columbus module will be moved from the shuttle payload bay on Sunday.
Click for video.
Atlantis is preparing to begin the "flip" maneuver that will allow astronauts on the ISS to photograph the orbiter to look for damage. The spacecraft are less than 1,000 feet apart.
During the flip maneuver, astronauts in the ISS have been asked to focus cameras on an apparent tear in an insulation blanket on the starboard Orbital Maneuvering System pod. The tear appears to be several inches wide and is located on the outside curve of the pod.
Tears in the OMS pod blankets have been reported on other missions, and orbiters have re-entered the atmosphere safely. During STS-117, astronaut Danny Olivas made temporary repairs to an OMS pod blanket during a spacewalk.
The crew of Atlantis is preparing to dock with the International Space Station at 12:25 p.m.
Before docking, Commander Stephen Frick will execute a 9-minute flip maneuver at 11:23 a.m. to allow astronauts aboard the space station to film the shuttle's thermal protection system with high-resolution video and still cameras. The tear will be photographed then.
A Friday examination of the thermal tiles revealed no damage from three pieces of foam that fell from the external tank during ascent.
Hatches will open between the two craft at 1:35 p.m.
Click for STS-122 fact sheet.
Click for NASA-TV schedule, which gives a mission timeline.
The Orbital Maneuvering System pod is just below the rudder.
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