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Discovery begins journey back to Earth

Discovery - Due to return to Earth on Monday
Discovery - Due to return to Earth on Monday

The space shuttle Discovery has separated from the International Space Station in the first step toward its journey back to Earth.

It is flying around the space station at a distance of about 400 feet to allow the shuttle crew to photograph the station, checking for any wear and tear.

The space shuttle and its crew of seven will then continue to orbit the Earth until early Monday, when they are scheduled to touch down in Florida.