Space Shuttle Discovery Crew Heads Home

Sept. 8, 2009 -- Space shuttle Discovery and its seven astronauts pulled away from the International Space Station on Tuesday and headed home, leaving tons of fresh supplies behind as well as a new face.

The shuttle is due back on Earth on Thursday.

"We're pretty fat with supplies now thanks to you," called out space station astronaut Michael Barratt. "God speed you on your way home."

Discovery undocked as the two spacecraft soared 220 miles above China. Pilot Kevin Ford guided the shuttle in a lap around the station, essentially for picture-taking. Barratt said he and his station crewmates were glued to the windows watching "that magnificent spaceship that just flew under us."

The shuttle astronauts faced an evening of surveying to check for any signs of micrometeorite damage and make sure their ship can return safely.

WATCH VIDEO: Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an astronaut?

Related Content:

• Comedian's Treadmill Installed at Space Station
• Space Shuttle Discovery Arrives at ISS
• HowStuffWorks.com: Why do astronauts have to work out on the International Space Station?
• More Discovery News

Discovery's departure ended nearly nine days of linked flight in which more than 18,000 pounds of equipment and experiments were dropped off. Astronaut Nicole Stott took up residence aboard the space station, replacing Timothy Kopra, homeward bound after being off the planet for nearly two months.

Kopra should have stayed longer at the orbiting complex, but had his mission cut short by launch delays to his shuttle ride up. Tuesday marked his 55th day in space.

Despite his abbreviated stay, Kopra was eager to be reunited with his wife and two children, and said he was looking forward to a sip of beer.

Also returning aboard Discovery: Buzz Lightyear. The 12-inch action figure spent 15 months at the space station as part of a NASA educational program. The doll will take part in a tickertape parade at Walt Disney World early next month.