Space Shuttle Atlantis - Mission STS-101 - Atlantis liftoff

FILE PHOTO—As Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-101, twin columns of smoke from the solid rocket boosters trail behind. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. Three Atlantis crew members are U.S. Air Force officers, Col. James Halsell Jr., commander; Lt. Col. Scott Horowitz, pilot; and Lt. Col. Susan Helms, mission specialist. (Courtesy photo)