Shuttle returns from 16-day mission
Space shuttle Endeavour and its seven astronauts returned to Earth today, completing a long but successful construction job that boosted the size and power of the international space station.
Endeavour’s smooth and punctual arrival, after more than two weeks in orbit, set off a steady stream of congratulations and an ecstatic welcoming reception for Koichi Wakata, the first Japanese astronaut to return from a long space journey.
His space station mission lasted four and a half months.
At his request, sushi awaited him.
But it was more than Wakata had anticipated; he was swamped with sushi as Kennedy Space Centre workers dropped off the delicacy for him at crew quarters.
Wakata was greeted by the president of the Japanese Space Agency, who said the astronaut would be accommodated properly when he returns to Japan in a few months.
“He said he did his best,” said President Keiji Tachikawa.
The official said he was surprised to see Wakata walking shortly after touchdown, and described him as very healthy, despite the reintroduction to gravity, and happy to be back.
While pleased with Wakata’s replacement, the astronauts left behind on the space station said they missed him.
“We certainly miss being there, but there’s no place like home,” said shuttle commander Mark Polansky. He looked thrilled as he shook hands with senior managers and walked around his spaceship. “What a fantastic mission,” he said.
While visiting the space station, Polansky and his crew put on a new addition to Japan’s one billion dollar lab, installed fresh batteries, and stockpiled some big spare parts.
They accomplished all of their major objectives and were part of the biggest gathering ever in space: Counting the six station residents, the crowd totalled 13.
The shuttle flight lasted 16 days and spanned 6.5 million miles, one of NASA’s longest.
It wrapped up a 138-day trip for Wakata, who moved into the space station last March.
He swapped places with American Timothy Kopra, who rode up on Endeavour.
Before leaving orbit, Wakata said he was yearning for some sushi for his first meal back on the planet and a soak in a hot spring once he’s back in Japan.
At the top of his list, though, was reuniting with his German wife and their 11-year-old son, who were on hand at the space centre for the homecoming. About 50 Japanese, in all, gathered at the landing site.
Wakata made it back just in time for his 46th birthday tomorrow.
“I am relieved and happy to have my husband back,” Stefanie Wakata said in a written statement. “It has been a long journey for all of us, and I am looking forward to spending some time together.”
