Flames from the engines on Atlantis pour through the mobile launcher platform into the flame trench below.

At ignition, flames from the main engines on space shuttle Atlantis pour through the mobile launcher platform into the flame trench below. Within seconds, Atlantis was on its climb into space and a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-122. Liftoff was on time at 2:45 p.m. EST. This is the third launch attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the 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: Scott Andrews