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Nasa has been gearing up for the return of Discovery since Monday, but bad weather prevented the shuttle from landing until Tuesday.

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After it re-enters the Earth's atmosphere, the shuttle first appears as a white outline against the Californian night.

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Only a few seconds later, it is almost ready to touch down at Edwards Air Force Base north of Los Angeles, having plummeted through the sky like a 'hurling brick'.

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It finally touches the ground, delivering its crew safely back to Earth.

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Discovery was diverted to California after bad weather prevented it from landing at its home base of Cape Canaveral in Florida.

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On the ground, Nasa employees watch anxiously as the shuttle makes its final approach...

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...but can then celebrate as the shuttle lands without a hitch.