Space shuttle undocks, starts journey home

From CNN.com - Technology:

The space shuttle Atlantis undocked from the international space station early Monday for its journey back to Earth, ending a nearly nine-day visit to deliver, install and activate Europe's new orbital laboratory. The crew of the space shuttle Atlantis headed back to Earth Monday after finishing work on a new lab. Pilot Alan Poindexter gently backed the shuttle away from the station after the vehicle sprung loose from its docking port. He then guided the ship through a full lap around the orbiting outpost, primarily so crew members could take pictures of the station's new configuration. "We're looking forward to getting home and we're headed home now," Poindexter said. Just before Atlantis undocked, shuttle commander Stephen Frick thanked station commander Peggy Whitson and her crew for their hospitality. "We had a great time over there," he said. "We learned a lot and we really, really enjoyed working with your crew." "Thanks you, guys," Whitson responded. "It's a great new room you've added on and we really appreciate it."

Read the whole article