Shuttle's Descent May Be Visible Across U.S [View All]

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Source: ABC News

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (Reuters) - Early risers across the United States may have an unusual opportunity to see the space shuttle on Monday as it glides through the atmosphere, heading toward a landing at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.


Its route back to Florida will take it over much of America's heartland. Touchdown is targeted for 8:48 a.m. EDT (1248 GMT), weather permitting.

But ice clouds weren't a concern at this time of year and returning to Florida via the northwest-to-southeast approach allowed NASA to squeeze in more hours for the crew to work at the station.

The supersonic glide through the atmosphere will overfly dozens of cities and towns, including Fort Peck Lake, Montana; Pierre, South Dakota; Sioux City, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri; Tupelo, Mississippi; Birmingham, Alabama; and Jacksonville, Florida.

The shuttle is scheduled to enter Earth's atmosphere over the central Pacific Ocean at 8:17 a.m. EDT and should be visible over Montana about a half hour before landing.



Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=10408749