Space Shuttle Endeavour Soars in Predawn Launch
The space shuttle Endeavour lit up the predawn sky above Florida with a false sunrise early Monday as it soared into orbit like a brilliant, artificial star.
Endeavour roared into space at 4:14 a.m. EST (0914 GMT) from a seaside pad here at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after a one-day delay due to low clouds. The launch was expected to be the last time a NASA shuttle blasted off at night.
"Looks like the weather came together tonight. The vehicle is in great shape and it's time to go fly," NASA launch director Mike Leinbach told the crew just before liftoff. "We wish you good luck, Godspeed, and we'll see you back here in about two weeks."
"We'll see ya in a couple of weeks," Endeavour commander Geoge Zamka radioed back, thanking the launch team. "It's time to go fly."
Roger that. Have a great ride," Leinbach said.
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/shuttle-launch-day-100208.html