KSC-01PD-1794

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After watching the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-108 from the Firing Room of Launch Control Center, New York Police Department Detective Michael Jermyn praises the efforts of the workers on the successful launch. He is flanked by NASA's Acting Administrator Daniel Mulville (left) and Center Director Roy Bridges Jr. (right). Jermyn attended the launch as a guest representing the New York Police and Fire Departments whose members lost their lives in the September 11 attacks. Endeavour is carrying 6,000 flags that will be given to the families of those who died in the fall of the Twin Towers. Liftoff of Endeavour occurred at 5:19:28 p.m. EST (22:19.28 GMT). Endeavour will dock with the International Space Station on Dec. 7. STS-108 is the final Shuttle mission of 2001and the 107th Shuttle flight overall. It is the 12th flight to the Space Station. Landing of the orbiter at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility is targeted for 1:05 p.m. EST (18:05 p.m. GMT) Dec. 16