Shuttle Endeavour Blasts Off for Space Station

Clouds again encroached, but there were enough holes to allow the Endeavour to lift off on schedule at 4:14 a.m., a bright streak rising to the northeast along the East Coast. It was the 130th launching of a shuttle and likely the last night launching as the program winds down and ends after another four flights.

The Endeavour is carrying the last major piece of the International Space Station. Two of Endeavour’s crew members, Nicholas J.M. Patrick and Air Force Lt. Col. Robert L. Behnken, will conduct three spacewalks to install the a 23-foot-long, 15-foot-wide Tranquility module.

The module includes a seven-windowed dome, or cupola, that will offer panoramic views of Earth and space. The viewing area, large enough for two astronauts, will be used for controlling the station’s 60-foot-long robotic arm and to observe other activities outside the station.

The commander of the 13-day mission is Marine Col. George D. Zamka, and the pilot is Air Force Col. Terry W. Virts Jr. The other crew members are Stephen K. Robinson and Navy Reserve Capt. Kathryn P. Hire.