Reported By Greg Pallone, Scott Harris, Nick VinZant
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER -- Space shuttle Atlantis is rocketing toward the International Space Station.
Atlantis blasted off Monday carrying six astronauts and a full load of spare parts for the station to keep it running once the shuttle fleet retires.
The flight, as it would become, was the most trouble free in shuttle program history.
“Discovery was the first to hold the record with 74 of these problem reports, and Atlantis lifted off today with just 59. It's likely a record that never will be broken,” said Launch Director Mike Leinbach.
A couple hours before liftoff, NASA detected an electrical issue that seemed to be associated with the cabin lighting. Launch commentator George Diller said engineers saw the same thing on a previous flight and might wait until the shuttle is in orbit to deal with it.
Weather for the launch looked good for days. However, there were concerns Monday morning about clouds.
They cleared and conditions went green well before the countdown entered its final seconds.
“We kind of woke up this morning and said, had a kind of 'what the heck is that?' moment. That cloud cover was not in our forecast yesterday. But it cleared out for us and turned out to be a picture perfect launch,” said Shuttle Program Manager Mike Moses.
The shuttle will reach the orbiting outpost Wednesday.
NASA officials said a small brush fire appeared shortly after the launch. Officials said such fires are common after liftoff.
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Carrying Spare Parts
Atlantis is loaded with big spare parts for the International Space Station. NASA wants to stockpile as much equipment there as possible before the shuttle fleet is retired next year.
The crew of six will spend Thanksgiving in orbit, and return with astronaut Nicole Stott, who has spent nearly three months at the ISS.
“I’ll take any good luck I can get, and a smooth count is good to have every now and then,” said NASA Test Director Steve Payne.
The 11-day mission includes three spacewalks.
Monday’s planned launch is the first of only six remaining for the space shuttle fleet.
“Everybody has so much work on their plate right now,” Payne said. “Everybody I’ve spoken to has their head on the game.”
If all goes well, Atlantis will return home Nov. 27, the Friday morning after Thanksgiving, at 9:23 a.m.
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