Space station makes progress with computers

Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station were trying yesterday to kick-start components of a critical computer system that were still down, but most parts were up and running, raising hopes they would not crash again.

Four of the six boxes or "lanes" that comprise the computer system were working, easing worries of ground controllers.

An unprecedented failure of the computers in the Russian segment of the station on Wednesday raised alarms that the manned space outpost might have to be temporarily evacuated.

Among other crucial functions, the systems control the station's positioning in space so it can draw power from the sun, maintain proper temperature and position antennas for communicating with ground controllers.

Visiting NASA astronauts from the space shuttle Atlantis were preparing for the mission's fourth spacewalk scheduled to take place today.

Their main task will involve removing restraints on a mechanism that allows the station's new solar array wings to track the sun.

Spacewalking astronauts on Friday repaired worrying insulation damage to Atlantis that was incurred during its flight into orbit last week.

Managers said repairing the damage would protect the shuttle's underlying structure from weakening during the scorching plunge through the atmosphere on the shuttle's scheduled return to Earth next week.