A firetruck stands by as the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with its cargo Skid Strip.

A firetruck stands by as the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with its cargo the orbiter Columbia comes to a stop at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip. Columbia’s ferry flight began in California March 1. Unfavorable weather conditions kept it on the ground at Dyess AFB, Texas, until it could return to Florida. Columbia is returning from a 17-month-long modification and refurbishment process as part of a routine maintenance plan. The orbiter will next fly on mission STS-107, scheduled Oct. 25