1 of 3 | NASA's space shuttle "Endeavour" launches at 4:14:08 AM on mission STS 130 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida on February 8, 2010. Endeavour's launch begins the final year of space shuttle missions. Currently, NASA will retire the three remaining orbiters, completing the shuttle program by year's end. Endeavour is flying to the International Space Station on a fourteen day mission with a crew of six to deliver the Tranquility node and a cupola providing crews with unprecedented views of earth. UPI/Joe Marino-Bill Cantrell |
License Photo
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Shuttle Endeavour lifted off from Florida before dawn Monday, the last scheduled night-time launch for the U.S. space shuttle program.
The craft left its launch pad in a dramatic blaze of fire and headed to the International Space Station on the mission that will deliver "Tranquility," the third node of the ISS. That section will give space station residents additional room but also provide a view as it includes a cupola with six windows.
The shuttle crew is taking about 1 ton of equipment, supplies and experiments to the space station. The mission schedule calls for three spacewalks involving installation of Tranquility.
Endeavour is to return to Earth Feb. 20. There are only four more shuttle missions planned.
