SpaceX Dragon released from ISS to begin journey back to Earth

The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft was released from the International Space Station on Monday to begin its return journey to Earth.

According to NASA, the Dragon spacecraft was released from the microgravity laboratory at 11:01 a.m. after flight controllers in Houston delivered remote commands to the station's robotic arm.

The Dragon will fire its thrusters about 4 p.m. to move a safe distance from the station, which will be followed by a deorbit burn to allow it to safely enter the atmosphere.

Splashdown is scheduled to happen about 5 p.m.