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Rerouted Shuttle Lands in Calif.

Wind in Florida could force a California landing

By the Associated Press

Posted Nov 30, 2008 4:03 PM CST

(AP) – Space shuttle Endeavour touched down at Edwards Air Force Base in California today, after dangerously high wind prevented the crew from landing at its home base in Florida, and NASA ordered the astronauts to take a detour and head for the Left Coast. Endeavour touched down at 4:25pm EST, wrapping up a 16-day trip that left the International Space Station freshly remodeled and capable of housing bigger crews.

"It is what it is," shuttle commander Christopher Ferguson radioed. "We'll see you on the ground in California." NASA always prefers to land space shuttles at Cape Canaveral, since it takes about a week and costs $1.8 million to transport a shuttle from California to Florida, atop a modified jumbo jet.

In this image provided by NASA-TV, Space shuttle Endeavour is seen, Friday, Nov. 28, 2008. Endeavour and its crew of seven departed the international space station on Friday.
In this image provided by NASA-TV, Space shuttle Endeavour is seen, Friday, Nov. 28, 2008. Endeavour and its crew of seven departed the international space station on Friday.   (AP Photo/NASA-TV)
Endeavour touches down at Edwards Air Force Base, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008 in Calif. Endeavour ended a 16-day mission to the ISS.
Endeavour touches down at Edwards Air Force Base, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008 in Calif. Endeavour ended a 16-day mission to the ISS.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
In this image provided by NASA-TV, Space shuttle Endeavour commander Christopher Ferguson, bottom center, prepares to pass a microphone to astronaut Gregory Chamitoff, right, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008.
In this image provided by NASA-TV, Space shuttle Endeavour commander Christopher Ferguson, bottom center, prepares to pass a microphone to astronaut Gregory Chamitoff, right, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008.   ((AP Photo/NASA-TV))
Endeavour is commanded by veteran Commander Chris Ferguson, center. Others are Sandra Magnus, Steve Bowen Donald Pettit, Eric Boe, Shane Kimbrough and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper.
Endeavour is commanded by veteran Commander Chris Ferguson, center. Others are Sandra Magnus, Steve Bowen Donald Pettit, Eric Boe, Shane Kimbrough and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper.   (Image: NASA)
In a photo provided by NASA, Endeavor has a backdrop of clouds on Sunday Nov. 16, 2008. The shuttle won't be able to land at Kennedy Space Station today or tomorrow due to weather.
In a photo provided by NASA, Endeavor has a backdrop of clouds on Sunday Nov. 16, 2008. The shuttle won't be able to land at Kennedy Space Station today or tomorrow due to weather.   (AP Photo/NASA)
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Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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