Leaping off Launch Pad 39A Atlantis hurtles into space for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on STS-122.

Leaping off Launch Pad 39A from amid the clouds of smoke and steam, space shuttle Atlantis hurtles into space for 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