Drifting away. Credits: NASA

Drifting away. Credits: NASA

At 05:52 the Soyuz TMA-19M with Tim Peake, Tim Kopra and Yuri Malenchenko separated from the International Space Station and was pushed away by springs in the docking mechanism. It drifted slowly away at a speed of 0.12 m/s from the Station before firing it thrusters to orient itself on a homeward course.

Credits: NASA

Credits: NASA

A second thruster burn moved the Soyuz further away at a speed of 1.63 m/s compared to the Space Station. A unique view from the Space Station cameras seemingly showed the spacecraft heading towards the Moon!

Heading to the Moon? Credits: NASA

Heading to the Moon? Credits: NASA

Landing in the steppes of Kazakhstan is expected on time at 09:14 GMT. Follow live here, coverage resumes at 08:00 GMT.