Endeavour and its crew of six are flying freely again after undocking from the International Space Station at 7:54 p.m. EST. "Physical separation," Endeavour commander George Zamka said as the two spacecraft flew 208 miles over the Atlantic Ocean west of Africa.
Hooks and latches opened and springs gently pushed the orbiter from its docking port to end a stay of nine days, 19 hours and 48 minutes. Pilot Terry Virts immediately began backing Endeavour to a distance of about 400 feet, from which he will guide the ship in a 360-degree loop around the station.
"Zambo, it's been good having you, sorry to see you guys leave," station flight engineer T.J. Creamer radioed to Zamka. "Enjoy the flyaround. We'll watch and wave."
"Thanks very much for the great hospitality," Zamka replied. "We're sorry to go. Hope you get to enjoy Tranquility and the new view."
"Absolutely," Creamer said. Following tradition, station commander Jeff Williams rang a ship's bell as Endeavour slowly backed away.
"United States space shuttle Endeavour departing," he said. "Godspeed, guys, we'll see you back on the planet."
"We'll see you back there," said Zamka.
Endeavour's flyaround of the station is expected to take nearly an hour.
A final separation burn is planned at 9:37 p.m.
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