Atlantis Leaves Space Station
Department:
The Space Shuttle
Teaser:
"Shuttle Atlantis undocked from the International Space Station for what's expected to be the final time on Sunday as its six-man crew began the trip home for their orbiter's final mission."
Source:
SPACE.com Download time: May 24 2010 9:03 AM ET
The space shuttle Atlantis has begun the trip home from orbit. The shuttle's six astronauts bid farewell to the International Space Station early Sunday after a week of orbital construction for their mission – one slated to be the final flight of Atlantis.
Atlantis undocked from the space station at about 11:22 a.m. EDT (1522 GMT) while both spacecraft flew 220 miles (354 km) above the Indian Ocean southwest of Australia. The 25-year-old shuttle is due to land in Florida on Wednesday and be retired later this year.
Shuttle commander Ken Ham said the two crews, which added up to 12 people on the linked Atlantis and station – had great fun working together, but it was time to head home. The two crews shared hearty hugs and handshakes before going their separate ways.
"Of course, it will be a little bit sad," Ham told the station crew. "But we'll see you all on the surface of planet Earth soon."…
See SPACE.com for links to further info.
Also see USAToday, Florida Today, and the Houston Chronicle.
