Tile Damage

Inspection of the underbelly of space shuttle Endeavour has found seven small areas of damage to the heat shield tiles that protect the shuttle during re-entry. Presumably, the damage was done during launch. NASA engineers have already cleared five of the areas as not a problem, and seem poised to clear a sixth, but the seventh may require a closer look.

Astronauts have some capability to repair tiles in space, though that's never been attempted, but, so far, program officials are confident such a repair won't be necessary.