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Astronauts end space walk marred by lost tool bag

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-19 15:20

 

The Space Shuttle Endeavour with the Leonardo multi-purpose logistics module is visible in the open payload bay of the orbiter in this image from cameras aboard the International Space Station from NASA TV November 16, 2008. [Agencies]

Flight controllers were assessing the impact the lost bag would have on the next three planned spacewalks. The astronauts may be asked to keep sharing tools or use caulking-style guns intended for repairs to the shuttle's thermal shielding.

Earlier, the spacewalkers spotted a screw floating by, but were too far away to catch it. "I have no idea where it came from," Stefanyshyn-Piper told Mission Control.

Flight director Ginger Kerrick said neither the bag nor the screw posed hazards to the spacecraft. By late Tuesday, the bag was already 2 1/2 miles in front of the shuttle-station complex. "It's well on its way away from us," she assured reporters.

NASA was not sure how the bag got loose; it should have been tethered to a larger equipment bag. Another unknown: why the grease gun discharged.

"It is a human endeavor. Mistakes can happen. Equipment can fail," said John Ray, the lead spacewalk officer in Mission Control. He noted that Stefanyshyn-Piper showed "real character and great discipline" by continuing on and doing a fine job for the rest of the spacewalk. She was the first woman to be assigned as lead spacewalker for a shuttle flight.

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