Space shuttle Atlantis begins its climb into the sky after liftoff on mission STS-122 from Launch Pad 39A.

Space shuttle Atlantis begins its climb into the sky after liftoff on mission STS-122, which occurred on time at 2:45 p.m. EST, from Launch Pad 39A. Seen below the tail and the main engines is the flood of water over the mobile launcher platform that helps with sound suppression. This is the third launch attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space 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: NASA/Scott Haun, Richard Prickett