It was a launch that was marred by weather delays and other issues that had sprouted a hint of skepticism among the public in regards to the launch of NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis. But,m everything went smoothly and Atlantis successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS). After successfully completing the tasks given to them, crew of shuttle Atlantis has finally undocked from the ISS and are now their way towards earth.

Space Shuttle Atlantis took rounds of the ISS and then activated its thrusters to clear the space station and begin the journey back home. As per NASA estimates, if the weather proves to be a friendly factor, then Atlantis is expected to touchdown in Florida on Friday. The space shuttle crew is led by shuttle commander, Charles Hobaugh and also includes, Pilot Barry Wilmore and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman, Robert Satcher and Nicole Stott. Out of this crew of seven NASA astronauts, mission specialist, Nicole Stott has spent more than three months out of earth’s orbit, including 87 days on the International Space Station.

With the shuttle Atlantis crew now on the return path, the International Space Station has also witnessed a change in command, as NASA astronaut, Jeff Williams has now taken over the ISS, relieving the ex-commander of ISS, Frank De Winne of the European Space Agency. Commander Williams will also be leading Expedition 22 crew, with his Russian station mate, cosmonaut Maxim Suraev. Expedition 22 is expected to be reenforced with NASA’s Timothy Creamer and Soichi Noguchi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Space Agency, who are slated for a launch to the ISS from the Kazakhstan launch pad on Dec. 21.

Via Computer World.