After wrapping up its work at the International Space Station (ISS), the Space Shuttle Atlantis has undocked from the ISS and is preparing to head home for a planned landing at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Wednesday morning to complete its final scheduled mission (STS-132). (The NASA image above shows Atlantis landing after mission STS-110 on April 19, 2002.)
The first opportunity for landing will be at 8:48 a.m. Eastern time, with a second shot at 10:22 a.m. if conditions prove unfavorable, as may well be the case. There’s a chance of rain showers at KSC on Wednesday, with NASA estimating only about a 50-50 probability of a Wednesday landing. On Thursday the times for possible landings at KSC are 9:13 a.m. and 10:48 a.m. The Florida weather improves on Friday, and the alternative landing site at Edwards Air Force Base in California is available if need be.
Fortunately, there are many places you can tune in to watch Atlantis return home from this historic flight.
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