KSC-01pp1289

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis begins its trek to the International Space Station as it lifts off the pad with a crew of five on mission STS-104. Atlantis lifted off from Launch Pad 39B on time at 5:03:59 a.m. EDT. The 10th assembly flight to the International Space Station, the primary payload on the mission is the joint airlock module, which will require two spacewalks to attach it to the Space Station. The airlock will be the primary path for Space Station spacewalk entry and departure for U.S. spacesuits, and will also support the Russian Orlan spacesuit for EVA activity