Atlantis heading up
 

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sh...ain/index.html

First time I've seen one of these live. :up:

Currently on hold at T-9mins.

http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/1...s002_small.jpg

Image above: The crew of STS-117 pose for their official portrait. From left: Expedition 15/16 Flight Engineer Clayton C. Anderson, mission specialists James Reilly II, Steven Swanson, Commander Frederick Sturckow, Pilot Lee Archambault and mission specialists Patrick Forrester and John D. Olivas. Image credit: NASA

And she's up, good launch, boosters and fuel tanks away.

Godspeed guys, and well done to all at Mission Control. See you in a couple of weeks. :up:

I can tell you it is very impressive when it returns.

I was in Dallas a number of years ago (Christmas of 1999) when the shuttle returned. It is very impresssive to see the thing ten miles high streaking across the sky as it does. Even at that distance the shuttle looked speedy. And it was!!!

I watched it live in HD. It was nothing short of amazing. I just wish that we, as a people would focus less on fighting, and more towards the majestic stars, where our destinies lay.

Heres to a safe return!

Here Here!

Successfull docking at the ISS! :up: