**The space shuttle Endeavour crew has parted ways with colleagues on the International Space Station (ISS) and will depart early on Saturday morning.**Astronauts closed the hatch between the station and shuttle early on Friday morning and will undock at 0054 GMT.
The mission saw the successful installation of the Tranquility Node, a spacious addition that includes the “cupola” seven-window observation deck.
The shuttle is scheduled to land in Florida at 0316 on Monday.
NODE 3 - ‘TRANQUILITY’
- Key unit connects and helps manage other ISS modules
- Multiple docking ports for visiting vehicles or future modules
- 7m by 4.6m; a mass of 14 tonnes, but will be fitted out in orbit
- Sophisticated life support systems will include air cleaning unit
- Panoramic views provide ideal control room for robotic arm
- Named after Sea of Tranquility, the Apollo 11 landing site
As the astronauts went their separate ways, space station commander Jeffrey Williams congratulated his shuttle colleagues on their hard work and successes in installing Tranquility.
“We are really going to enjoy the view. I wish you guys could stay a little longer to partake in that view,” he said.
Commander Williams rang the station bell to mark a formal end to the Endeavour crew’s visit.
The commissioning of Tranquility marks the last major component of the space station.
A further four shuttle missions will occur over the coming seven months, each of which will bring equipment and supplies to the station.
The space shuttle fleet will then be retired.