The starboard OMS pod has a small tear, which is not visible in this photo.
Click for video.
Atlantis has begun 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 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.
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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