July 28, 2009

Space shuttle Endeavour readies return to Earth

This image provided by NASA, shows a partial view of Space Shuttle Endeavour
This image provided by NASA, shows a partial view of Space Shuttle Endeavour's payload bay, vertical stabilizer and orbital maneuvering system pods on July 16, 2009. The space shuttle Endeavour undocked from the International Space Station on Tuesday to take photographs of the orbiting research facility before final maneuvers to prepare its return home.

The space shuttle Endeavour undocked from the International Space Station on Tuesday to take photographs of the orbiting research facility before final maneuvers to prepare its return home.

Endeavour separated from the ISS 1:26 pm (1726 GMT), NASA said.

"After completing a fly-around of the space station, shuttle Endeavour will perform a maneuver to separate from the station," it added.

On Monday, astronauts Chris Cassidy and Tom Marshburn completed the fifth and last of the Endeavour mission, installing cameras on the ISS's new Kibo Japanese laboratory, as well as handrails and a portable foot restraint to help future spacewalkers.

The space shuttle blasted off from Florida on July 15 and is expected to land back on Earth on July 31 with its crew of seven astronauts. The launch of the next shuttle, Discovery, to the ISS is planned for August 18 at 4:25 am (0825 GMT).

(c) 2009 AFP

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