Just before sunset Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-108.

Just before sunset, Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off Launch Pad 39B at 5:19:28 p.m. EST (22:19:28 GMT) on mission STS-108. At left can be seen one of the six 12-foot-high rainbirds circling the Shuttle on the mobile launcher platform. Part of the sound suppression system, when solid rocket booster ignition and liftoff occur, a torrent of water flows onto the MLP from the rainbirds. Acoustical levels reach their peak when the Space Shuttle is about 300 feet above the MLP. Beyond the Shuttle can be seen part of the Banana Creek. Endeavour will dock with the International Space Station on Dec. 7. STS-108 is the final Shuttle mission of 2001and the 107th Shuttle flight overall. It is the 12th flight to the Space Station. Landing of the orbiter at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility is targeted for 1:05 p.m. EST (18:05 p.m. GMT) Dec. 16