The shuttle Atlantis was returned to its assembly structure for testing following the hail storm damage

Once it is checked, it will be made clear how long it will take to fix it. In any case, the launch was postponed after the change of station staff in the second half of April

Space Shuttle Atlantis was driven back to the assembly center on Sunday, 4/3/07 followed by Launch 39A. Now the ferry will undergo tests to examine the damage caused to it and the external fuel tank in the hailstorm that hit them on February 26. The journey took about seven hours.

 The lightning caused the formation of between one and two thousand lumps in the insulation foam coating that protects the external fuel tank and minimal damage to 26 tiles on the left wing of the shuttle itself. Another examination of the tank is required to obtain accurate data about the damage to the foam and about the repairs that need to be made in the assembly structure where the entire length of the external fuel tank can be more conveniently examined.

When the inspection is finished, it will be possible to estimate how much time will be required for the repairs. In any case, the schedule of the shuttle whose crew members on the STS-117 mission are supposed to continue assembling the space station will be changed, to allow the Soyuz spacecraft that replaces the crew members in April to dock at the station for about a week. It will be necessary to coordinate times between the departure of the Soyuz (the earlier one - the one that arrives will remain at the station as a rescue ship) and the shuttle's arrival at the station.