Suited up Mission Specialist Richard A. Mastracchio gives thumbs up for launch.

Already suited up, Mission Specialist Richard A. Mastracchio gives thumbs up for launch today. This is Mastracchio’s first space flight. Space Shuttle Atlantis is set to lift off 8:45 a.m. EDT on the fourth flight to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall