Readers will no doubt be relieved to learn that the International Space Station Thinkpad boot problem will shortly be solved.

Space aficionado Jeff Ligon has just forwarded us this revealing report:

MISSION CONTROL CENTER STATUS REPORT #16

On the last full day of docked operations between the crews of Atlantis and the International Space Station (ISS), the eight space travelers will continue transferring supplies and equipment in preparation for Friday morning's undocking.

Atlantis' astronauts were awakened shortly after 4 a.m. Central time today to begin their ninth day in space.

Among the final items to be transferred to the Station today are a replacement hard drive for a portable computer, the spacesuit worn by Tom Jones during his three space walks for future use, and additional tools and supplies for Expedition One Commander Bill Shepherd, including a screwdriver, bolts, tape and printer paper. Jones' space suit will remain on the Station for use by visiting shuttle crews and for Station-based space walks once the U.S. airlock is installed later this year.

So there you have it - no great surprise really. What is amazing, however, is the news that Welsh sex god tenor Tom Jones has done three space walks. Is there no end to the man's talents? ®

Bootnote

To keep abreast of the Thinkpad drama, readers might like to check this out:

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