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Space shuttle pilot Alan Poindexter and commander Steve Frick look out of the pilot-side window of Atlantis while it is docked to the International Space Station. Astronauts on Tuesday prepared the shuttle for the ride home, wrapping up "arguably one of the most successful docked missions we've had," according to LeRoy Cain, a mission manager.



Atlantis astronauts got their spaceship ready for the ride home on Tuesday, wrapping up a two-week mission to add Europe's new orbital laboratory to the International Space Station.
The crew of seven was spending the day conducting prelanding systems checks and completing other chores, along with participating in televised interviews.

Early weather forecasts looked good for Wednesday morning's planned touchdown at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA said.

If the weather changes, however, Atlantis will aim for the backup touchdown site in California to give the military time enough time to shoot down a damaged spy satellite without endangering the shuttle.

After leaving the space station on Monday, Atlantis's crew inspected the ship one final time to ensure it is prepared for the fiery descent through the atmosphere.

The astronauts used a laser-tipped boom to hunt for possible micrometeorite damage to the shuttle's wing and nose that might have occurred while the shuttle was docked at the space station.

NASA was finishing up its analysis of the latest laser data and expected to let the astronauts know later Tuesday if they are cleared for landing.

The prelanding check has become standard procedure ever since Columbia was destroyed during re-entry five years ago.

During their nine days of joint operations, the shuttle and station crews devoted almost all of their time together to the European Space Agency's $2 billion Columbus lab.

The astronauts conducted three spacewalks to install the module, attach science experiments to its exterior and replace a station nitrogen tank.

"It's arguably one of the most successful docked missions we've had," said LeRoy Cain, a mission manager.