Another successful mission for NASA.

The Atlantis astronauts on Tuesday prepared to return to Earth ahead of an attempt by the Navy to destroy a falling spy satellite. Forecasters predicted sunny skies over the ship's primary landing site in Florida.

The seven shuttle fliers, who were completing a 13-day mission to the international space station, plan to touch down today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 8:07 a.m. CST, with a backup landing opportunity at 9:42 a.m. CST.

Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., where the outlook included a chance for rain and high runway crosswinds, was also prepared for landing opportunities at 11:12 a.m. and 12:47 p.m. CST.

"I'm real optimistic, looking at the weather briefs, that things will play out really well for the Kennedy Space Center — to land there on the first try," flight director Bryan Lunney, who will orchestrate the shuttle's return from Mission Control, said Tuesday.

Congratulations on a job well done -- to both the astronauts and all the NASA employees who have made the mission a success. Most folks don't think about the long shifts and strange hours you have to keep while these birds are flying, but those of us who live around you do.

Posted by: Greg at 11:00 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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