The space shuttle Atlantis blasts off from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, June 8, 2007. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    WASHINGTON, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The Atlantis crew spent the first full day in space inspecting the shuttle's heat shield, and they reported a 4-inch (10-centimeter) gap, according to NASA's ground control center on Saturday.

    However, NASA's shuttle managers said the gap appears not to bean urgent problem. "I don't think concern is the right word; there's no urgency with the situation," NASA's spokesman Kyle Herring was quoted as saying by AP.

    The gap was found in a thermal blanket on the left side of the shuttle, and it appears to be the result of an unusual fold in the heat-protecting shield. Over the next few days, engineers and flight controllers will continue to analyze the data collected by the crew.

    Besides the inspection work, the seven-man crew also prepared for Sunday's arrival at the International Space Station (ISS). Docking is set for 3:38 p.m. EDT (1938 GMT) on Sunday. Once the shuttle and station connect, they will stay locked until June 17.

    This is NASA's first shuttle flight of this year. The shuttle lifted off Friday from Kennedy Space Center at 7:38 p.m. EDT (2338GMT) to continue construction of the ISS.