NASA: Weather outlook improving for Tuesday launch of shuttle Discovery to space station

Weather improving for Tuesday space shuttle launch

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The weather is looking even more promising for Tuesday’s launch of space shuttle Discovery.

Forecasters said Sunday there is an 80 percent chance the weather will cooperate for Discovery’s early morning flight to the international space station. That’s better than previous forecasts.

There is a 40 percent chance that thunderstorms could interfere with Monday afternoon’s fueling. A delay of more than a couple of hours could stall the launch.

Top NASA managers will meet Sunday afternoon for one last review. The only outstanding issue is a shuttle power controller that was replaced a week ago. Testing for that is looking good.

Discovery and a crew of seven will deliver supplies and equipment to the space station.