Astronauts have run into trouble while setting up the International Space Station’s newest room.
A cover that is supposed to go between Tranquility and its observation deck does not fit.
Metal bars are not locking down properly because of interference from a handrail or some other metal piece on the hatch.
Flight director Bob Dempsey said today that engineers are now trying to figure out what to do next.
The cover is needed to protect the seals and docking mechanisms on Tranquility from the cold.
This docking port will be exposed when the domed lookout is moved to its permanent location — a move that may be put on hold for a while.
The astronauts aboard the shuttle-station complex opened the door to Tranquility late yesterday.
