On the Bottom Half

Last Walk.

Last space walk is done. The repair material they were testing is called Noax, which essentially amounts to 1700 degree C caulk. They massaged it into predamaged reenforced carbon-carbon tiles, which simulate those on the highest heat areas of the orbiter, and worked it into the cracks with a spatula. Apparently Piers Sellers dropped a spatula and now it's 'gone, gone, gone.' 17,500 miles per hour of gone, gone, gone, I'd say. They also tested an infrared imaging system that can image any damage that occurs on the inside of any tiles damaged by impact, but which may not be apparent from the outside. This kind of damage is called 'spalling'. I think I've seen that kind of thing before on glass panes that have been shot through with a bullet. If they don't shatter, there's this cool crater on the opposite side of the glass from the bullet impact.

The last couple of days of docked operations are scheduled to be continued reloading of Leonardo, followed by reberthing and then undocking of Discovery from ISS. Everything is set for a landing on 17 July at KSC.

Didn't hear about the duct tape fix, what was it?

In other news, the Monash Research Graduate School has refused permission for me to travel to Japan. Approval from the Head of Geoscience and the Dean of Science notwithstanding. Appeal is in process, but it's got to happen fast.

Miss you all.

posted by Kyle @ 16:38