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Spacecraft Separates From International Space Station

Houston-As they marked the success of several goals, the Astronauts of Space Shuttle Discovery separated from the International Space Station on Wednesday as they prepare for their eventual return home on Saturday.

The shuttle will spend the next few days on miscellaneous tasks while in orbit, and return to home is scheduled for this next Saturday.

The Shuttle crew was successful in the delivery of the second unit of the Japanese Kibo laboratory, as well as assisting with the final tests on the new Dextre robot arm.

The robot arm, manufactured by Canada and a $1 billion dollar addition to the space station was fully extended and made ready for its use in installing the yet-to-be delivered third unit of the Japanese Kibo lab.

The Kibo lab unit that was delivered and installed on this mission is the largest pressurized space yet to be part of the space station, and was instantly the largest room on the International Space station when it was installed.

Astronaut Garrett Reisman is returning to earth on this shuttle mission, having been replaced as part of the regular crew rotation.

Reisman was replaced by Gregory Chamitoff, who will be the newest addition to the International Space Station Crew.