Satdude
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Endeavour heads for early landing
Space shuttle Endeavour is returning to Earth a day early because of Hurricane Dean, Nasa has confirmed.
The category four hurricane, which could be upgraded to category five as it advances into the Gulf of Mexico, threatens disruption or even the evacuation of Mission Control in Houston.
As a result Nasa officials ordered the undocking of the shuttle from the International Space Station, where its crew has spent nearly nine days installing a truss segment and repairing a failed gyroscope (orientation device).
The undocking took place at 07:56 yesterday morning (02:56 BST) and, after it had backed 400ft away from the station, engines were fired to remove Endeavour from the ISS' vicinity.
"Mission managers are continuing to monitor the situation and assess their options", a Nasa statement said.
Footage taken from the ISS shows the full extent of Hurricane Dean, which was described by a Nasa commentator as "fairly enormous" and a "formidable storm".
One of the astronauts observing the hurricane, speaking on the same film, is heard to say: "Holy smoke, that's impressive."
Endeavour's first landing opportunity is at 12:32 local time on Tuesday (07:32 BST).
Regards Satdude.
Space shuttle Endeavour is returning to Earth a day early because of Hurricane Dean, Nasa has confirmed.
The category four hurricane, which could be upgraded to category five as it advances into the Gulf of Mexico, threatens disruption or even the evacuation of Mission Control in Houston.
As a result Nasa officials ordered the undocking of the shuttle from the International Space Station, where its crew has spent nearly nine days installing a truss segment and repairing a failed gyroscope (orientation device).
The undocking took place at 07:56 yesterday morning (02:56 BST) and, after it had backed 400ft away from the station, engines were fired to remove Endeavour from the ISS' vicinity.
"Mission managers are continuing to monitor the situation and assess their options", a Nasa statement said.
Footage taken from the ISS shows the full extent of Hurricane Dean, which was described by a Nasa commentator as "fairly enormous" and a "formidable storm".
One of the astronauts observing the hurricane, speaking on the same film, is heard to say: "Holy smoke, that's impressive."
Endeavour's first landing opportunity is at 12:32 local time on Tuesday (07:32 BST).
Regards Satdude.