Watch a Space Capsule Undock and Begin Its Descent to Earth [Video]
The above video shows a Russian-built Soyuz space capsule detaching from the International Space Station late Thursday night. The capsule contained two cosmonauts, Andrey Borisenko and Alexander Samokutyaev, and one American astronaut, Ron Garan. Since canceling the Space Shuttle program, this kind of cooperation is currently the only method NASA has for sending astronauts to and from the ISS.
The capsule lost all communications with Earth during its descent through the atmosphere. The glitch proved to be inconsequential, however, as the spacecraft landed safely on its target in Kazakhstan.
Before leaving the International Space Station, Ron Garan tweeted his farewell, along with a photo taken from space:
via twitpic
Isn't that beautiful? Well, now is as good a time as any to remind you that a satellite is crashing to Earth on September 23rd and there is a 1-in-3,200 chance of the debris hitting someone on the ground. Remember to bring an umbrella to work Friday.
Dramatic Videos of Station Undocking, Gorgeous Earth Descent and Soyuz Touchdown by Russian American Trio [Universe Today]
Soyuz Space Capsule Lands Safely With US-Russian Crew [Space.com]
Related: Was the Space Shuttle Program a Success?
[@nickgreene][ngreene@villagevoice.com]
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