A newly-relocated solar panel on the International Space Station ripped during its redeployment on Tuesday, and NASA is considering a further extension of the shuttle’s stay at the ISS to deal with the problem. The rip took place as one of the panels on the P6 truss segment was extended following a seven-hour spacewalk by Scott Parazynski and Doug Wheelock, who completed the installation of the panels in their permanent location at the end of the port side of the truss. The gash is clearly visible in images, although the panel is still producing 97 percent of its normal power.
Images from the STS-120 Mission Status Briefing showing solar array damage