Orbiter: Endeavour
Shuttle Mission: STS-111
Date: June 19, 2002

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -– After two extra days in space because of inclement weather, the crew of Orbiter Endeavour receives the "go" for the deorbit burn, beginning their return to Earth. During the burn, the orbiter is turned to a tail-first position, and the Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) engines are fired, slowing the aircraft. As it begins its descent toward Earth, the orbiter is turned back to a head-first, belly-forward position to deflect the heat of reentry. On mission STS-111, astronauts delivered the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, the Mobile Base System (MBS), and the Expedition Five crew to the Space Station.