STS-43 Atlantis, OV-104, soars into space after liftoff from KSC LC Pad 39A

STS-43 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, soars toward space after liftoff from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) Pad 39A at 11:02: 00 am (Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)). This low angle view captures OV-104 as it begins its roll maneuver. A burst of sunlight shines through the mated hardware elements supporting the Space Shuttle Atlantis for the STS-43 mission's launch phase. Exhaust plumes billow from the solid rocket booster (SRB) skirts. All three space shuttle main engines (SSMEs) glow as they power OV-104 into orbit. The bottom of external tank (ET) is highlighted by the SRB/SSME firings. This image was selected by the Public Affairs Office (PAO) for public release.