The US space shuttle Discovery returned to Earth today after a perfectly choreographed 12-day mission during which astronauts set a series of scientific experiments in motion and escorted a fresh crew to the International Space Station.
Discovery touched down at 2:23 p.m. local time at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The landing had been postponed by over an hour due to bad weather near Cape Canaveral.
Launched August 10 - a day later than expected, again due to weather - Discovery completed the rest of its mission punctually.
"It was an excellent mission. We didn't have any significant problem or trouble," Kennedy Space Center spokesman Bruce Buckingham said today.
Commanded by US astronaut Mr Scott Horowitz, assisted by co-pilot Mr Rick Sturckow and mission specialists Mr Patrick Forrester and Mr Daniel Barry, Discovery also escorted back to Earth members of the "Expedition Two" ISS crew, who spent almost five and a half months in space.
Russian Commander Mr Yury Usachev and US astronauts Ms Susan Helms and Mr James Voss were to be reunited with their families, then undergo a program of several weeks to get used to gravity, restore muscle capacity and boost immune systems weakened by the prolonged stay in space.
Discovery is also bringing back to Earth the Italian-built supply module Leonardo, which took three tonnes of equipment to the space station and ferried back two tonnes - mostly personal effects and trash.
Meanwhile, the relief crew Discovery left at the station was getting ready for the arrival of the Russian supply ship Progress M-45, expected tomorrow.
AFP