A giant solar wing ripped as it was being unfurled by astronauts aboard the international space station on Tuesday, creating another problem for NASA at the orbiting outpost, informs Associated Press.

The next shuttle flight could be delayed if this latest problem isn't resolved quickly, said NASA's space station program manager, Mike Suffredini. Atlantis is supposed to lift off in early December with a European laboratory.

The torn solar wing can still provide power. NASA's bigger concern is the structural problem posed by a partially deployed panel.

Until NASA figures out what's grinding inside the gears and fixes it, the right joint will remain in a parked position as much as possible, limiting power collection.

Suffredini said the wing can provide 97 percent power since the power line doesn't appear to be damaged. He said spacewalking astronauts could cut whatever might be snagging the solar wing, like a hinge, and possibly sew up the tear. For almost any repair, the wing probably would have to be retracted in order for the crew to reach the damage.

"We have a lot of options. We're in a good config (configuration) to sit here and work through this problem," he said.

Discovery's space station construction mission has already been extended a day because of the solar joint problem, with landing set for next Wednesday. Suffredini hinted that another two days could be added to the flight if the newest problem is deemed serious enough.

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