NASA Shuttle Atlantis Undocks from Space Station

The STS-112 crewmembers said goodbye to the Expedition Five crew and began their trip home. Space Shuttle Atlantis undocked from the International Space Station today at 8:13 a.m. CDT (1313 GMT). Prior to undocking, the hatches between the station and Atlantis were closed at 6:15 a.m. CDT (1115 GMT).

While at the station, the STS-112 crew successfully installed and activated the S1 (S-One) Truss. To complete installation and activation, the crew conducted three spacewalks. Also, the crew transferred cargo between the shuttle and station.

Following undocking, Pilot Pam Melroy performed a partial fly-around of the station. The crewmembers are now preparing for their return to Earth. Atlantis is slated to touch down Friday at 10:45 a.m. CDT (1545 GMT) at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.