NASA: Shuttle looks free of launch damage, but space station rendezvous will yield more data

NASA: Space shuttle looks free of launch damage

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Space shuttle Endeavour is on course to hookup with the International Space Station during the middle of the night.

Endeavour and its crew of six are due to arrive at the space station early Wednesday.

The chairman of the mission management team, LeRoy Cain, said Tuesday that the shuttle looks to be free of any serious launch damage. But the analysis is continuing, and a few hundred photos taken from the space station during Endeavour’s final approach will yield more data.

The shuttle is delivering a new space station room as well as a domed lookout. The Italian-built compartments cost more than $400 million. It represents the last major construction work at the outpost.

Endeavour blasted off Monday on the two-week flight.