Space shuttle Endeavour landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday, Mar 26 at 8:39 p.m. EDT. This completed the 16-day, 250-orbit mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

NASA TV

NASA TV

The landing bought to a successful conclusion the STS-123 mission for Commander Dominic Gorie, Pilot Gregory H. Johnson, Mission Specialists Robert L. Behnken, Mike Foreman, Rick Linnehan, Garrett Reisman and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Takao Doi. Mission Specialist Reisman remained aboard the space station, replacing Expedition 16 Flight Engineer Leopold Eyharts.

Mike Leinbach, the Shuttle Launch Director said he had talked to the crew after landing. He said they were, "having a fantastic time reflecting on their mission and looking up at their vehicle that just landed." Saying they were, "glad to be home," and "very proud of the work they did." He added, "and we're very proud of the work they did, too."

The mission included a record five spacewalks. During which the shuttle and ISS crews worked together to extend the ISS. They attached the first part of the JAXA's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency’s Dextre robotic arm.

The STS-123 mission was the 21st flight for Endeavour and the 25th and longest shuttle flight to the ISS.

"The success of this mission makes the International Space Station truly international," said NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations, Bill Gerstenmaier, "it's an exciting time to be in the space business."

The European Space Agency's Jules Verne Automated Transfer Vehicle is due to dock with the ISS on Apr 3. It is currently in a parking orbit 2000 km ahead of the ISS.

A Russian Soyuz TMA-12 will take the Expedition 17 crew to the ISS, launching on Apr 8.

Please login or register to add comments