Atlantis Launch Ends Long Shuttle Delays

By Fraser Cain - October 7, 2002 at 11:43 AM UTC | Missions

The space shuttle

Atlantis

blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center today after four months of repairs and delays. The shuttle and its 6-astronaut crew lifted off at 1945 GMT (3:45pm EDT), and reached orbit shortly after; by Wednesday it will link up with the International Space Station. A new camera, mounted on the external fuel tank pointed down at the shuttle, and showed the whole launch until separation.

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain is the publisher of Universe Today, founding the website in March 1999. He's also the co-host of Astronomy Cast.