The flames from the solid rocket boosters as Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off on mission STS-106 to the International Space Station.

The waters near Launch Pad 39B reflect the brilliant red-orange flames from the solid rocket boosters as Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off on mission STS-106 to the International Space Station. The perfect on-time launch occurred at 8:45:47 a.m. EDT. On the 11-day mission to the Station, 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. Landing of Atlantis is targeted for 4:45 a.m. EDT on Sept. 19.