Atlantis heads into space
Weather could prevent Atlantis heading for the International Space Station today
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Friday, 08, Feb 2008 09:43
Space shuttle Atlantis finally took off for space last night after a series of problems pushed back the original launch date by two months.
The shuttle and its seven-strong crew launched from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 14:45 EST (19:45 GMT), taking with it a key European research module.
Atlantis had originally been due to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) in December but a problem with the fuel sensor system halted the lift-off.
Bad weather in Florida put yesterday's launch in doubt but concerns did not materialise and the shuttle is now travelling to the ISS, which it will dock with on Saturday.
The delivery of the research module, named Columbus, will expand the facilities of the ISS and provide scientists around the world with the ability to conduct a variety of experiments.
The European Space Agency (ESA) described Columbus as "the cornerstone of Europe's contribution to the ISS".
"The launch of Columbus marks the onset of a new era. We have long waited for this moment in European human spaceflight and space-related sciences," said Daniel Sacotte, ESA's director for human spaceflight, microgravity and exploration programmes.
ESA director general Jean-Jacques Dordain added: "For the first time, a European-manned facility will be permanently operated in orbit, under the control of a European centre.
"The know-how we acquired to reach this point will be of tremendous importance in preparing for the future of human space flight, in Earth orbit and beyond, with our international partners."
Atlantis' mission will last for 11 days, during which the crew will undertake three spacewalks to attach the Columbus lab and connect its power and fluid lines.
The shuttle is due to land on February 18th.