ESA title
André Kuipers in the Soyuz TMA-4 before the launch on 19 april 2004
Science & Exploration

André Kuipers on way back to Earth

30/04/2004 487 views 0 likes
ESA / Science & Exploration / Human and Robotic Exploration / Delta Mission

After eleven days in space ESA astronaut André Kuipers has started his return journey to Earth.

Undocking of the Soyuz TMA-3 capsule occurred at exactly 22:52 CEST (20:52 UT) on Thursday 29 April. On board with André Kuipers are the Expedition 8 crew; Russian cosmonaut Alexander Kaleri and NASA astronaut Michael Foale, who are returning to Earth after a six month stay on the Space Station.

The Soyuz will make one orbit of Earth before the descent is initiated by firing the engines for 261 seconds. The Soyuz TMA-3 is expected to land at 02:11 CEST (00:11 UT) tonight.