Space shuttle Endeavour lifts off
The space shuttle is on a 15-day mission to the International Space Station
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Saturday, 15, Nov 2008 08:16
Space shuttle Endeavour has blasted off on a 15-day mission to take supplies to the International Space Station (ISS).
NASA officials celebrated the successful launch of the shuttle which will bring facilities to equip the station to accommodate astronauts for longer stays.
Launch director Mike Leinbach said a minor issue had taken place during the launch with one of the shuttle doors being found unpinned but said he was happy with the launch and the team overall.
Endeavour is carrying 14,500 pounds of equipment and supplies such as additional sleeping quarters, a second toilet, an exercise device and other household equipment.
Four planned spacewalks are scheduled to take place during the mission to service the station's solar panels which generate power for the vessel.
NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson commands the seven-member crew, which includes pilot Eric Boe, mission specialists Donald Pettit, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Steve Bowen, Shane Kimbrough and Sandra Magnus.
Endeavour will dock with the ISS within the next 24 hours.