Bare branches frame the liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-106 to the International Space Station.

Bare branches frame the liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-106 to the International Space Station. Billows of smoke and steam are illuminated by the flames of the solid rocket boosters. The perfect on-time liftoff of Atlantis occurred at 8:45:47 a.m. EDT. 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