All astronauts aboard the International Space Station grandly celebrated the successful addition of a new room and observation deck with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The formal function included the handing over of a plaque which contained little moon rocks which had been collected from the lunar surface. The whole event took place as the crews aboard the space shuttle Endeavour and ISS were making preparations to part ways.

The shuttle astronauts, six in all, and as many as five station residents happily embraced and said farewell on early Friday; before the hatches connected the shuttle and station were sealed in preparation for the undocking which is scheduled for Friday night.