Two busloads of journalists were on hand at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility when the astronauts touched down in two Northrup T-38 Talon training jets.
"You know, this is a day that is decidely American, a day where we kind of reflect on our independence and all of the wonderful things that we really have as a part of being the United States of America," mission commander Chris Ferguson said.
"I think it's wonderful that you've all come out to join us when I know, and I certainly hope, you all have an opportunity to go home when this is all done and enjoy some barbeque, some fireworks and some apple pie."
A countdown to the 11:26 a.m. Friday launch will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday, and the astronauts will spend the week finishing training for a final supply run to the International Space Station.
"We have a very event-filled mission ahead of us. We have 12 days, and we'll be very, very busy," Ferguson said. "And when it's all over, I think I speak for everyone when I say we'll be very proud to put the right end bookend on the space shuttle program."
Ferguson leads a crew that includes pilot Doug Hurley and two mission specialists: Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim. They hav the last four of 852 tickets to ride on the most capable spacecraft ever devised by human engineers.
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