Great forecast for shuttle launch

CAPE CANAVERAL - Space shuttle Atlantis should have clear skies for its planned Monday launch to the international space station. Air Force forecasters expect a 90-percent chance of good weather at launch time.

"Weather is favorable for launch with just a slight chance of a low cloud ceiling due to a low-level inversion," Friday's forecast states.

Atlantis' six astronauts arrived back at Kennedy Space Center yesterday. They're planning to fly an 11-day mission to deliver new supplies and some spare parts to the station, and take three spacewalks in the process.

The STS-129 crew includes three rookie astronauts. Space aficionados may recognize the mission's commander, Charlie Hobaugh -- or, more likely, his voice. He holds the dubious distinction of being the last person to speak with the crew of space shuttle Columbia during their doomed flight. Hobaugh was acting as CAPCOM, or capsule communicator, for Columbia's landing that day.

This will be the third spaceflight for the Marine lieutenant colonel.

The all-male crew will get some diversity when they are joined by Clearwater astronaut Nicole Stott. She'll be riding home from the space station aboard Atlantis after two and a half months in space.

Atlantis' launch is scheduled for 2:28 p.m. on Monday. In addition to the Cape, fair skies are expected across most of Florida, so the liftoff should be visible from the Bay Area.

This will be the second-to-last mission for Atlantis.  After this flight, five shuttle flights will remain before the fleet's planned retirement.

FOX 13 and MyFoxTampaBay.com carry the launch live. Stay with us for updates during the countdown.