spacetoday.net: Discovery lifts off

Posted: Sat, Dec 9, 2006, 11:25 PM ET (0425 GMT)
STS-116: launch (NASA/KSC)

The space shuttle Discovery launched Saturday night on a mission to the International Space Station. Discovery lifted off from Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center at 8:47 pm EST Saturday (0147 GMT Sunday) and reached orbit eight minutes later. NASA pressed ahead with launch preparations on Saturday after falling behind on fueling the shuttle's external tank and despite forecasts of poor weather. However, winds died down and skies remained clear, allowing the launch to proceed. Discovery is scheduled to dock at the ISS shortly after 5 pm EST (2200 GMT) Monday, after performing inspections of the shuttle's interior for any damage sustained to the orbiter's tiles and panels during ascent. During the 12-day mission the crew will install a new truss segment to the ISS and rewire the station's power systems in preparation for the installation of future truss segments and solar panels on future mission. The shuttle is also bringing a new station crewmember, Sunita Williams, who will replace Thomas Reiter.