Launch of NASA's Shuttle

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour lit up the predawn sky over Florida's Space Coast on Monday through a 4:14 a.m. EST launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The shuttle's last scheduled night launch began a 13-day flight near the International Space Station and the last year of shuttle operations.

Endeavour's STS-130 mission will include 3 spacewalks and the delivery of the Tranquility node, the final major U.S. portion of the station. Tranquility will give additional room for crew members and many of the space station's life support and environmental control systems.

Attached to Tranquility is a cupola with 7 windows, which houses a robotic control station. The windows will offer a panoramic view of Earth, celestial objects and visiting spacecraft. After the node and cupola are added, the orbiting laboratory will be approximately 90 % complete.

Shortly before liftoff, Commander George Zamka said, "Thanks to the great team that got Tranquility, cupola and Endeavour to this point. And thanks also to the team that got us ready to bring Node 3 and cupola to life. We'll see you in a pair of weeks. It's time to go fly." Endeavour's first landing opportunity at Kennedy is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20, at 10:01 p.m.

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