ISS Solar array producing power despite rip

[JaneYoung]

What are these solar panels made of and how are they constructed? (I understand the accordion part)

[Roger]

I have no idea, Jane, but Wikipedia does. I still find it amazing how small a package it folds into. Which seems to me to be the problem: if they didn't have to unfold and refold the solar array wings they wouldn't do what they're not supposed to do. But I don't think there was a way to test it on Earth that would match the microgravity of orbit. I'm sure they are working on an improved type now -- or (if they have them already in production) planning for an extra spacewalk to get them into position.

Tomorrow (Saturday) early morning they have a major spacewalk planned to get an astronaut way out to the rips, taking the Shuttle's Canadarm (I like saying that!) and attaching it to the ISS arm to get enough reach. (Sorry, the news story has the arm extension being used -- the part they use to reach under the Shuttle to check the tiles) As always, it'll be on NASA-TV.