European to capsule leaving space station, skipping test

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A European cargo ship is set to depart the International Space Station this weekend. But it will re-enter the atmosphere and burn up the next day, skipping a special descent test because of a problem.

One of four power lines failed last week on the trash-filled capsule. Engineers suspect a bad battery. The problem prompted the European Space Agency to cancel a shallow re-entry test that had been planned for the end of the month. Instead, the craft will re-enter normally Sunday over the Pacific.

Engineers wanted to collect data on a shallow re-entry to prepare for the space station's eventual demise.

This is the last in a line of station supply ships provided by the Europeans. It was launched last July.

Explore further: Space station supply ship exits, now packing trash

More information: European Space Agency: http://www.esa.int/ESA

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A commercial cargo ship has ended its month-long space station visit.

ESA's last Automated Transfer Vehicle will leave the International Space Station on Saturday for its final solo voyage, setting course for a fiery demise that will mark the end of its mission and the programme.

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European to capsule leaving space station, skipping test