(CNN) - the space shuttle Endeavour landed safely Sunday afternoon at Edwards Air Force Base California after NASA stirred off the coast of two opportunities for a Florida landing because of bad weather.
Endeavour slip landing Sunday at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The shuttle, led by Commander Christopher Ferguson, landed at 1 h 25, ending a mission that lasted more than two weeks.
Reports of thunderstorms 30 kilometres from the shuttle landing facility at the Space Center Florida Kennedy, the wind and rain prompted NASA to cancel landing attempts there. Those that were scheduled for 13: 00 19-2: 54 pm EST.
After determining weather Monday at the Space Center Kennedy was as unpromising, flight controllers decided that they would try to land the shuttle and its seven astronauts at Edwards AFB, about 100 miles from Los Angeles, California, where the forecast for Sunday was sunny.
Flight controllers prefer landings at the Space Center Kennedy due to cost and schedule. NASA has estimated that costs about $ 1.7 million to provide a shuttle of origin at the Kennedy Space Center in California. "
Landing of shuttle Endeavour watch Sunday in California".
It also takes at least a week to prepare the shuttle for the trip, but the calendar is not a major factor for the company; It is not expected to fly until May.
Mission of the space shuttle Endeavour 15 days to the international space station began November 14 and outputs four spacewalks.
During this time, the crew has introduced key - including exercise machines parts, the bunks to sleep more and urine recycling system - for a project to double the capacity of the three internal astronauts six station.
The recycling system was installed to turn urine and sweat of the astronauts in drinking water.
Other modules are scheduled to arrive on a flight in February. The goal to extend the capabilities of the station to six astronauts should be reached by the summer.
The crew also worked on a joint to produce electricity for the space station. Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen spent hours to clean and lubricate the solar rotary joint, which is designed to allow the solar panels on the left side of the station of rotation and to follow the Sun.
The astronauts were also removed and replaced several bearing assemblies in bed.
The mission continued according to plan, despite a minor on the first exit interruption when a canon of grease in the bag of the tool Stefanyshyn-Piper fled, covering all within a film of lubricant. While she was trying to clean it, the bag - with $100,000 in the tools - floating away. CNN Kate Tobin and Miles O'Brien contributed to this report.All About Space shuttle Endeavour • NASA • Kennedy Space Center