The "focused" inspection took just under an hour.
A robotically controlled boom equipped with cameras and laser sensors captured imagery of the tile from five different positions.
Analysts in Houston will get a more detailed measurement of the depth of the gouge in the tile and use the data to update models used to assess its ability to withstand heat during atmospheric re-entry.
NASA expects to clear the tile for re-entry. A decision is expected within 24 hours, and could be announced as soon as a briefing planned at 4 p.m. EDT today following a meeting of the Mission Management Team.
Coming up later this morning: the first ever papal call to the International Space Station.
Pope Benedict XVI will speak to the dozen shuttle and station crew members from the Vatican at 7:11 a.m. EDT. You can watch the conversation live here by clicking the NASA TV box at right.
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