Better Late Than Never!

They were a day late, and someone else did the flying... but the crew of space shuttle Discovery arrived at Kennedy Space Center Tuesday, to conduct several days of exercises leading up to their planned July launch to the International Space Station.

Why the delay? One word: Alberto, the tropical storm that made landfall Tuesday well north of Cape Canaveral. It passed just close enough, however, to flummox the astronauts' travel plans.

The change in schedule also meant the astronauts had to fly in on NASA's Gulfsteam bizjet, instead of in the usual training jets.

"It's great to be here, finally, a day late," said Steve Lindsey, the crew's commander. "My crew and I are optimistic that early July looks good."

The Associated Press reports the planned "dress rehearsals" -- which will extend through Friday, one day later than originally planned, to make up for the lost day -- include a practice launch countdown, a simulated launch pad escape exercise, and instruction on using fire suppression and other emergency equipment.

NASA officials are scheduled to meet on Friday and Saturday to give their final blessings to next month's flight... as well as set a firm launch date for Discovery to return to the skies.

FMI: www.nasa.gov