Endeavour lifts off for space station
Endeavour successfully launched last night
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Thursday, 09, Aug 2007 02:04
The space shuttle Endeavour and its seven crew members have successfully lifted-off and are heading for the International Space Station (ISS).
Following last night's launch Nasa administrator Mike Griffin said that "a launch operation doesn't get any better than this".
Included in the STS-118 crew is Barbara Morgan, a teacher-turned-astronaut whose association with Nasa began 22 years ago.
It is the first time a teacher-astronaut has launched into space since Christa McAuliffe died along with the rest of the crew onboard the Challenger shuttle when it disintegrated after take-off in 1986.
Morgan was originally selected as the back-up teacher-astronaut for McAuliffe. After the accident she assumed the duties of teacher in space designee and worked with Nasa to speak to educational organisations throughout the country.
Speaking before take-off, Endeavour's commander Scott Kelly said: "This is serious business we're in here. We'll see you in a couple of weeks, and thanks for loaning us your space shuttle."
Endeavour is expected to dock with the ISS tomorrow. During the 11-day mission the STS-118 crew will add a new truss segment to the right side of the station which will allow for clearance between sets of solar arrays.
At least three spacewalks have been planned in which the astronauts will install a new gyroscope (device measuring orientation) and external spare parts platform.
A new system will be trialled that enables docked space shuttles to draw electrical power from the station to extend visits to the outpost. If successful Endeavour's mission will be extended by three days and an additional spacewalk added.
It is the first flight for Endeavour in more than four years as it has undergone extensive modifications including safety upgrades.