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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is surrounded by clouds of smoke and steam as it lifts off Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-122. At far right is the water tower that provides water for the sound suppression system during liftoff. The shuttle lifted off on time at 2:45 p.m. EST. This is the third launch attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Photo credit: NASA/NASA/Rick Wetherington, Tim Terry, Tim Powers