CAPE CANAVERAL: A SpaceX Dragon capsule left the International Space Station on Thursday and returned to Earth.

The capsule, containing more than 1,360 kilograms of experiments and equipment, splashed into the Pacific just off the Southern California coast less than six hours following its station release.

Nasa expects to receive its precious science samples within two days, after the spacecraft is transported to a port near Los Angeles.

The Dragon capsule arrived at the orbiting lab last month, bearing much-needed groceries and other goods for the six station residents.

Astronauts refilled the capsule with science experiments and samples for the trip home, including roundworms that were part of studies on muscles and aging.

The California-based SpaceX company is Nasa’s only means of getting supplies to the 420-kilomtre-high station, ever since last year’s loss of an Orbital Sciences Corp. craft in a Virginia launch explosion.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2015

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