Back to Earth After Six Months

Two Russian and one American astronauts return safely to Earth after a 6 month tour of duty on the International Space Station.

The Russian cosmonauts Yuri Shargin and Gennady Padalka, and their American colleague Michael Fincke landed safely today with their vessel - the Soyuz TMA-4, in the Kazzakh steppe. All were in perfect health even though search teams had little difficulties finding them in the complete darkness in the steppe.
Since the tragic accident in 2003 when the shuttle Columbia burned up in reentry, the ISS has been serviced only by the return vessels Soyuz. After the safe landing astronaut Fincke contacted his family over satellite and than all crew members were rushed to a dome-hospital erected nearby.
The construction of the International Space Station is on hold until American shuttles can be brought back into service may next year, to carry new components to the station.