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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — After 11 days together in orbit, Endeavour undocked from the international space station on Tuesday and began its trip home, leaving behind a larger and more energized outpost.
The shuttle’s departure broke up the biggest off-the-planet gathering ever: 13 people in space. Seven astronauts headed back aboard the shuttle and six remained.
The two spacecraft parted company 220 miles above the Indian Ocean, with a Friday touchdown slated for Endeavour. “Fair sailing ahead, guys,” shuttle commander Mark Polansky called out.
“You made us bigger and better, and we were really glad to have you here,” replied station resident Michael Barratt. “It seems awfully quiet here now without you.”
