Against the backdrop of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center a helicopter takes off near the NASA News Center.

Against the backdrop of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a helicopter takes off near the NASA News Center. Liftoff of Atlantis was on time at 2:45 p.m. EST. This was 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/Fletch Hildreth