The crews of the linked space shuttle and space station embraced and said farewell Friday as they prepared for Endeavour to begin its two-day trip home after “a mission of Olympic proportions.” There were hugs and handshakes all around as the six Endeavour astronauts floated one by one out of the International Space Station, where they installed a stunning seven-window observation deck that gives astronauts unparalleled views of Earth. The hatches between the craft were then sealed in preparation for Friday night's undocking. “It's tough to turn away from that window,” shuttle commander George Zamka said of the atrium's domed centerpiece, the largest window ever launched into space. Each of the astronauts spent a few moments alone in the dome late Thursday, taking in what they described as amazing and stunning views of Earth. “Arguably, mankind has been after this view for centuries, this perspective, this view of the world, and we finally have it,” Zamka said.
