NASA Test Director Steve Payne said on Friday that the International Space Station-bound space shuttle Discovery is all set for its scheduled predawn Tuesday launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida; and the weather forecast looks promising!

Payne said that there are 70 percent chances of the space shuttle, to carry seven astronauts, to be launched as per plan - at 1:36 a. m. Tuesday.

During a mission briefing at the spaceport in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Payne said: "The flight crew, the vehicle and the launch team are ready to go. It should be a spectacular launch. I'm hoping we put on a good show for you!"

The Air Force meteorologists have predicted 'good' weather for Discovery's early Tuesday liftoff, and expect similar conditions to prevail for two following days. However, they are apprehensive of 'trickier' weather during the fueling operations in the afternoon, expecting thunderstorms to produce lightning close to launch pad 39A.

The Discovery mission to the International Space Station will last for 13 days during which the shuttle and its seven astronauts - six men, one woman - would deliver over 7 tons of equipment and food for the six-member crew of the orbiting outpost. The cargo includes supplies, new science gear, and spare parts for the orbiting laboratory.

The flight of the shuttle will be commanded by veteran NASA astronaut Rick Sturckow.