The SpaceX Dragon capsule has returned to Earth with a full load of science samples after its mission to the International Space Station. The capsule left the station after being released by astronauts Thomas Pesquet of France using a robotic arm. <br/><br/>Before its departure, the crew loaded the cargo ship with old equipment, waste and almost 4,000 pounds of research samples from experiments carried out in the station's condition of microgravity. The journey took more than five hours and it splashed down off the coast of Baja, California. The Dragon capsule — the only such vessel capable of returning research samples and other material to Earth –remained docked with the Space Station for nearly a month after delivering more than two tonnes of food, water and scientific equipment for NASA on February 23.