Against a backdrop of blue Atlantic Ocean space shuttle Atlantis to start the STS-122 mission to the International Space Station.

Against a backdrop of blue Atlantic Ocean, space shuttle Atlantis with its crew of seven rises majestically from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to start the STS-122 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff was on time at 2:45 p.m. EST. The launch is the third 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/Jim Grossmann