Space shuttle aims for homecoming, but storms loom

[September 10, 2009]  CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- Space shuttle Discovery and its crew of seven will try to return to Earth on Thursday. But thunderstorms could keep them in orbit an extra day or two.

NASA says it will be a challenge dealing with the stormy forecast. The outlook worsens Friday and does not improve much Saturday.

If Discovery skips Thursday evening's landing attempts in Florida, NASA will consider the backup touchdown site in California as early as Friday. The shuttle could stay up until Sunday.

Discovery spent more than a week at the international space station. Returning astronaut Timothy Kopra lived there nearly two months, while Buzz Lightyear logged 15 months. The doll will head to Walt Disney World after the flight.

Landing time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

[Associated Press; By MARCIA DUNN]

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