Astronauts wrap up space station makeover
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The shuttle Endeavour astronauts packed samples from the International Space Station's (ISS) revived urine recycling system and prepared to leave the outpost after a successful home-makeover mission.
The astronauts collected more than six litres of recycled urine and other wastewater for analysis on the ground. The recycler, part of a $US250 million life-support system delivered by the visiting space shuttle, is needed to support an expanded, six-person crew on station next year.
"The urine processing assembly performed well over the last few days and we got what we need out of it," flight director Brian Smith said.
Fixing the water system's centrifuge was among dozens of repairs and upgrades the shuttle Endeavour and space station crews tackled during their 12-day joint mission.
The shuttle is scheduled to leave the station on Friday and return to Earth on Sunday.
- Reuters
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