Overcast skies delay space shuttle Discovery’s return, astronauts hopeful for 2nd landing try

Overcast skies delay space shuttle’s return

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Overcast skies have delayed space shuttle Discovery’s homecoming.

Mission Control skipped Monday morning’s first landing attempt and instead aimed for the second and final opportunity of the day. Touchdown is now scheduled for 10:23 a.m.

By daybreak, the rain that drenched Florida’s Kennedy Space Center overnight had started moving offshore. But thick clouds lingered, and Mission Control didn’t want to take a chance.

If the weather improves in time for the second shot, Discovery will crisscross the United States on its trip home from the International Space Station. The streaking, glowing trail should be visible from the ground as the shuttle passes above Washington state and descends over America’s heartland.