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Buzz Lightyear figurine begins journey back to Earth

The space shuttle Discovery is heading back to Earth carrying a pint-sized traveler that now holds the record for the longest time spent in orbit — Toy Story movie character Buzz Lightyear.

The 30cm tall figurine was launched into orbit on the Discovery in May last year, and has spent more than a year aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of an educational program to teach children about space.

On Tuesday, he was back on the Discovery as it began the trip home to Earth ahead of a scheduled landing today in Florida.

The toy was only supposed to spend six months in space, but his stay was extended because his educational mission was such a resounding success.

Throughout Lightyear’s mission, NASA has featured a Web page with details of his time in space and educational games geared at different school grade levels.
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