Endeavour has undocked from the International Space Station, officially beginning a two-day journey home to Kennedy Space Center. "Physical sep, Houston," Endeavour commander Chris Ferguson said.
"Houston copies. Physical separation," replied NASA flight communicator Steve Robinson."It was great working with you guys," Ferguson told three station residents.
"Thanks for the incredible makeover, and leaving the station in fantastic shape," responded station commander Mike Fincke.
"Even from 25 feet, you look better," Ferguson said. Station flight engineer Sandra Magnus, who launched with Endeavour's crew on Nov. 14, rang a bell on the station to signify Endeavour's departure.
The shuttle hasn't gone very far yet.
Initial separation of just a few feet was achieved after latches were undone and springs pushed the orbiter from the station.
Endeavour pilot Eric Boe will position the shuttle another 400 feet or so before pausing. Then he'll fly one-and-a-half loops around the station, so pictures can be taken of its exterior.
Endeavour spent a total of 11 days, 16 hours and 46 minutes docked with the station. That's just four hours shy of the record for docked time that Endeavour set earlier this year, during STS-123 in March.
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