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December 2, 2008 10:51:21 AM CST

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Space Shuttle Heads for Earth

Posted Feb 18, 08 7:58 AM CST in Technology,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – The space shuttle Atlantis parted ways with the International Space Station this morning and headed back towards the confines of Earth, even as NASA was rolling another shuttle onto the launch pad, preparing for its March 11th mission. In its 9-day stay, Atlantis attached Europe’s first permanent laboratory to the space station; the next flight will add the beginning of a Japanese research module, Reuters reports.

The European laboratory, Columbus, was supposed to be installed 6 years ago, but 2003’s Columbia accident derailed those plans. “It’s a great new room you added on,” station commander Peggy Whitson told the shuttle as it departed. “Get home safe, and thanks.” Atlantis should touch down by Wednesday, bearing both its crew and astronaut Dan Tani, whose mother died while he was on an extended stay at the station.

Source Reuters

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This image provided by NASA shows astronaut Rex Walheim, mission specialist, as he holds onto a handrail on the Columbus laboratory, the newest piece of hardware on the International Space Station, Friday,...   (Associated Press)
In an image made from NASA television, The Space Shuttle is seen passing over Italy Monday Feb. 18, 2008, after separating from the International space station. The shuttle is aboust 799 feet away from...   (Associated Press)
In this photo provided by NASA, backdropped by a blue and white Earth, the docking mechanism, foreground, Columbus laboratory in space shuttle Atlantis' aft payload bay, vertical stabilizer, orbital maneuvering...   (Associated Press)
This image provided by NASA shows astronauts Steve Frick, second right, STS-122 commander; Leland Melvin, left, Stanley Love, top, and Rex Walheim, all mission specialists, as they take a moment during...   (Associated Press)
In this image provided by NASA, American astronaut Rex Walheim works on the Columbus module connected International Space Station, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008. With two of their three spacewalks completed,...   (Associated Press)
In this image provided by NASA, American astronaut Rex Walheim work on the International Space Station, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008. With two of their three spacewalks completed, the astronauts aboard the...   (Associated Press)
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NASA • International Space Station • space • Atlantis Space Shuttle • aerospace • Daniel Tani • Columbia Space Shuttle • Columbia disaster • Peggy Whitson


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