The decision to delay the reentry was caused by lower than expected descent rate of the station in the upper atmosphere. Today, team members are investigating the reappearance of the coating, which is similar to the frost on a car windshield. The contract solidifies Orbital as a major supplier in the world market for GEO communications satellites. It turned out to be a false alarm, but it shut down ventilation systems, computers dropped off line and the station's new crew was unable to find the documentation needed to reactive critical systems. For the latest spaceflight news and features visit our sister-site, Spaceflight Now .
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Subscriptions Subscribe to Astronomy Now and have Britain's best selling astronomy magazine delivered to your door every month. Subscribe now and save more than 10 percent off the newsstand price. The night sky Our night sky pages contain details of this month's celestial highlights.