The cutting edge of space-age technology: duct tape · Astronaut's jet backpack is patched up for spacewalk · Nasa's favourite repair tool used on several missions Richard Luscombe in MiamiWednesday July 12, 2006The Guardian Nasa has solved another sticky problem using its favourite space-age repair tool: the humble roll of duct tape. First pressed into service during the homemade repairs that saved Apollo 13 from disaster in 1970, the tape has since been at the centre of a variety of ingenious quick fixes dreamed up by the space agency's scientists.The latest patch-up will secure British astronaut Piers Sellers to his jet-propelled backpack today for the final spacewalk of the shuttle Discovery's 13-day mission to the International Space Station.