Mike Leinbach congratulates STS-126 NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with the traditional ceremony for a NTD.

In the Firing Room of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left) congratulates STS-126 NASA Test Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with the traditional tie-cutting ceremony for a first-time NTD. Congratulations were offered for the successful launch of space shuttle Endeavour. Liftoff was on time at 7:55 p.m. EST. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett