US space agency Nasa said the shuttle glided to a smooth landing at the backup site at Edwards Air Force Base on Sunday after aborting its first landing attempt due to dangerously high winds and a stormy sky.

Endeavour and its seven astronauts were returning from a 16-day marathon "home-improvement" mission at the International Space Station (ISS).

"Welcome back. That was a great way to finish a fantastic flight," Nasa mission control in Houston radioed.

"And we're happy to be here in California," shuttle commander Christopher Ferguson replied.

$2m detour

Nasa had hoped that the shuttle would land in Florida where the families of the astronauts were waiting, and also to save time and money in transporting it back to base at an estimated cost of almost $2m.

Endeavour's crew members were expected to be reunited with their families at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston on Monday.

Nasa officials said both Ferguson and his co-pilot, Eric Boe, had practised on the temporary runway in training aircraft.

The shuttle dropped off equipment including a new bathroom, kitchenette, exercise machine, two sleeping quarters and a recycling system designed to convert astronauts' urine and sweat into drinking water.

Endeavour's crew also conducted four spacewalks to repair the station's power system.

Nasa's next mission to the ISS is set for February when the outpost's last solar wing panel will be installed.

Early on Sunday morning, a Russian space craft arrived at the ISS with fuel, water and more supplies including Christmas gifts, food and clothes.



Agencies