Shuttle returns from 16-day mission

Space shuttle Endeavour and its seven astronauts returned to Earth today, completing a long but successful construction job that boosted the size and power of the international space station.

Endeavour’s smooth and punctual arrival, after more than two weeks in orbit, set off a steady stream of congratulations and an ecstatic welcoming reception for Koichi Wakata, the first Japanese astronaut to return from a long space journey.