Space Shuttle Atlantis spews flame and billows of steam as it lifts off the pad on mission STS-104.

Space Shuttle Atlantis spews flame and billows of steam as it lifts off the pad on mission STS-104. At left is the Fixed Service Structure, with the White Room (foreground) safely moved away. Situated at the end of the orbiter access arm, the White Room provides entry into the cockpit of the Shuttle. Atlantis lifted off from Launch Pad 39B on time at 5:03:59 a.m. EDT. With a crew of five, it is heading on the 10th assembly flight to the International Space Station. The primary payload on the mission is the joint airlock module, which will require two spacewalks to attach it to the Space Station. The airlock will be the primary path for Space Station spacewalk entry and departure for U.S. spacesuits, and will also support the Russian Orlan spacesuit for EVA activity