Endeavor: successful repairs on the machine to recycle urine and solar antenna

The Endeavor astronauts have apparently solved the problem which affected the functioning of the new machine recycling urine delivered by the shuttle to the International Space Station (ISS), said Tuesday leaders of the mission . Three tests were conducted successfully for changes made Sunday and Monday, which led NASA to decide not reduce the machine on Earth in the hold of the shuttle, according to a press release published on the website of the agency Space. The crew of Endeavor was able to obtain samples of drinking water of the machine that will be returned to the shuttle for analysis on the ground. This machine cost $ 250 million called "Water Recovery System" is essential to double the accommodation capacity of long duration Space Station, three to six occupants today in spring 2009, producing by recycling 6.8 tons of potable water per year. So far, all the water needed for the ISS crew was transported by the shuttle. Moreover, the complex repairs made during four outings orbital mission on the rotation system called "Solar Alpha Rotary Joint / Sarj" one of the three antennas double solar Station seem to have been successful, according to the first Tests conducted Tuesday, said NASA also. Preliminary data show that dual-antenna solar uses less power and runs more easily than before. Two teams of two astronauts during these sorties orbital cleaned, lubricated and replaced Eleven out of the twelve ball bearings of the rotation system which was seized. The technical problems encountered with the start of the machine to recycle urine and wastewater Monday led NASA to extend by one day the mission of Endeavor. The landing of the shuttle is now scheduled Sunday in Florida at 18H18 GMT (13H18 local) if weather conditions permit. Endeavor undocking from the ISS will take place Friday morning. Endeavor has delivered a total of 14.5 tonnes of equipment to the ISS mainly intended to double the capacity. Besides the machine to recycle urine into drinking water, the seven members of the crew of Endeavor had delivered a freezer and an oven for scientific experiments in the U.S. Destiny laboratory module and two cabins that serve as additional rooms bedtime. The shuttle also brought two new furnaces to warm meals for astronauts, a refrigerator and a new equipment for exercise. This is the last mission of a space shuttle this year. The next is scheduled for February to the ISS to continue assembly of the orbital outpost to be completed in 2010, when in principle for the retirement of the three space shuttles in the fleet.