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Astronauts set stage for spacewalk, solar wing

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-03-19 17:08

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The astronauts in orbit have set the stage for the installation of a new set of solar wings at the international space station.

This image provided by NASA shows an overhead close-up view of the exterior of Space Shuttle Discovery's crew cabin, part of its payload bay and docking system was made by Expedition 18 crew members on the International Space Station. Prior to docking with the station, Tuesday March 17, 2009. [Agencies]

Related readings:  Shuttle Discovery arrives at space station  Delay results in 'most beautiful' Discovery launch  US space shuttle Discovery lifts off

The framework containing the folded-up wings will be attached to the space station Thursday afternoon. Before that happens, two of shuttle Discovery's crew will float outside to help hook everything up. The wings will be unfurled Friday.

The shuttle delivered the new wings this week. It's the last set of solar wings to be installed at the 10-year-old space station and will finally bring it to full power.

The spacewalk by Steven Swanson and Richard Arnold II will be the first of three planned for Discovery's space station visit. There should have been four spacewalks, but delays in launching the shuttle cut the mission short.