KSC-08pd3704

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After the successful launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-126 mission at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) performs the tie-cutting ceremony on Center Director Bob Cabana in the Firing Room of the Launch Control Center. Cabana experienced his first shuttle launch as director. Liftoff was on time at 7:55 p.m. EST. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett