Space Shuttle Atlantis finally blasts off

After months of delay, Space Shuttle Atlantis finally blasted off into space yesterday, carrying with it Europe's gift to the International Space Station, a $2 billion (US Dollars), science lab named Columbus.

The Space Shuttle's two previous attempts to launch had to be abandoned because of problems with the fuel gauge. Yesterday's take-off was picture perfect however, and Atlantis and its seven-person crew flew to space smoothly, carrying their precious cargo.

The science lab Columbus, Europe's first contribution to the International Space Station, will join U.S. lab Destiny which made its trip on the Atlantis seven years ago. Though smaller than Destiny, Columbus will expand the number of "zero gravity" biology and physics experiments carried out in Space. Japan's science lab "Hibo" will be next to join starting March. The Japanese lab is so big that it will need three shuttle flights to carry it up.

Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to get to the International Space Station on Saturday. Thereafter, it's captain, Steven Frick and his crew will start the process of installing Columbus. The whole mission, which includes three spacewalks is expected to last between 11-12 days.

Besides delivering Columbus, the Atlantis also took a new resident to the International Space Station. Gen. Leopold Eyharts from France will swap places with NASA astronaut Daniel Tani and, start his job of getting Columbus working. Tani, who was recently involved in the dangerous repair of a Solar Wing (DOGONews Feb 4th,Issue-16) will return to Earth aboard the shuttle, ending a mission of nearly four months.

NASA is trying to launch at least six shuttles a year, so that it can meet the 2010 deadline for completing the construction of the International Space Station. After that they are hoping to "retire" the shuttle and replace it with a next generation exploration vehicle called "Orion".

Orion is part of NASA's new program to send human explorers back to the moon and then onward to Mars and other destinations in the Solar System. Sounds exciting doesn't it? - What's even more exciting to us is that maybe one you will be an astronaut by then and going to the moon!

Enjoy the video of the fascinating launch of the Shuttle Atlantis from Cape Canaveral, Florida