Astronauts Will Improvise for Missing Equipment on Next Spacewalk

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL (AP) -- Astronauts planning a space walk this week on the international space station will have to improvise. That's the word from NASA. Officials say that some equipment needed for the spacewalk is missing and likely misplaced among thousands of tools and construction supplies.

The missing items include a rubber bag with a clasp needed to hold a residue collection plate which will be removed from the outside of the station during the spacewalk. Instead of the rubber bag, several bags secured with bungee cords will be used for carrying the plate, which has toxic contaminants.

Also missing is part of a Russian foot restraint for holding a spacewalker in place at the end of a 55-foot boom. Instead, a US-made tether will be used for restraint.

The nearly six-hour spacewalk will go forward anyway Thursday.

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