Another successful mission for NASA.

The Atlantis astronauts on Tuesday prepared to return to Earth ahead of an attempt by the Navy to destroy a falling spy satellite. Forecasters predicted sunny skies over the ship's primary landing site in Florida.

The seven shuttle fliers, who were completing a 13-day mission to the international space station, plan to touch down today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 8:07 a.m. CST, with a backup landing opportunity at 9:42 a.m. CST.

Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., where the outlook included a chance for rain and high runway crosswinds, was also prepared for landing opportunities at 11:12 a.m. and 12:47 p.m. CST.

"I'm real optimistic, looking at the weather briefs, that things will play out really well for the Kennedy Space Center — to land there on the first try," flight director Bryan Lunney, who will orchestrate the shuttle's return from Mission Control, said Tuesday.

Congratulations on a job well done -- to both the astronauts and all the NASA employees who have made the mission a success. Most folks don't think about the long shifts and strange hours you have to keep while these birds are flying, but those of us who live around you do.