A perfect launch sends Space Shuttle Atlantis leaving a trail of flames and billows of smoke and clouds behind.

A perfect launch sends Space Shuttle Atlantis, leaving a trail of flames and billows of smoke and clouds behind, hurtling toward space on mission STS-106. Liftoff occurred at 8:45:47 a.m. EDT today. On the 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall. Landing of Atlantis is targeted for 4:45 a.m. EDT on Sept. 19