1. That kind of rapid response will not be available on the space station, because the shuttle will be docked. 2. Authorities feared that docking the shuttle, while Progress was not firmly attached, could cause the freighter to damage the station. 3. But such a rescue will not be possible when the shuttle is docked to the Mir or the planned international space station. 4. It will be the first spacewalk by American astronauts while the shuttle is docked to Mir. 5. A railcar and track are attached to the girder aboard Atlantis and will be tested while the shuttle is docked to the space station. 6. The Americans will conduct their own spacewalk while the shuttle is docked with the Mir, but it will not involve attempted repairs on the Spektr. 7. Three spacewalks will be needed during the week the shuttle is docked to the station to make all the lab connections. 8. Three spacewalks were planned during the one week that the shuttle is docked with the station, to hook up all the electrical connections between Destiny and Alpha. |