Final Solar Panel Delivered to Space Station

The international space station is nearly at full power. This thanks to the space shuttle Discovery, which arrived with the station’s final solar panel in tote on a uniquely starry St. Patrick’s Day. The $298 million solar module will nearly double the space station’s electricity capacity.

The module contains two 45-foot solar panels which were rolled out by Discovery’s crew late last week. The massive, 115-foot module is a testament to space-based solar power and the brilliance of modern technology. Robot arms spent about two hours hooking up a huge area, which bears the energy-producing panels today. (more…)

Final Solar Panel Delivered to Space Station