Astronauts arrive at cape Canaveral for Sunday shuttle launch

Atlantis’ six astronauts arrived at Kennedy Space Centre today as the countdown clock began ticking toward a Sunday launch of the space shuttle.

“We have a saying back in Texas, ’It’s time to walk the walk,”’ said Brent Jett, Atlantis’ commander, after arriving from Houston by training jet.

“We are ready for the challenge ... All we need is a little good weather on Sunday and we’ll be out of here.”

And good weather appeared likely. There was only a 30% chance it would prevent a lift-off on Sunday.

If the launch is delayed that day, for weather or any other reason, the space agency would keep trying over several more days. The weather forecast actually improves on Monday and Tuesday as a high pressure ridge moves north. Forecasters were keeping an eye on a tropical wave that could develop into a tropical depression by the Lesser Antilles, said Kathy Winters, shuttle weather officer. “Overall the weather is looking pretty good,” Winters said.