Space Shuttle Atlantis Lifts off!

[Rico]

Space Shuttle Atlantis just blasted off into space for an 11 day mission to work on the International Space Station.  Launch looked awesome!

[SebastianProoth]

I always find the launch of the space shuttle to be very moving, emotionally. I don't know why because I am not moved by a great many things. That's an incredible photo Rico...-S-

[Rico]

Yeah - I get worked up to every time they go up and when they land as well.  It's an amazing thing still.  Growing up during the era of Apollo and the moon landings makes you feel pretty emotionally involved in NASA and the space program.  I so wanted to be an astronaut when I was younger.  Some more pics....

(Mission details and updates:   http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html)

[Geekyfanboy]

Great stuff Rico... love our space program. Here's a question.. if you had an opportunity to go up in Space... would you?

[Rico]

Found an interesting list of cool NASA spin-off technology and benefits.  Very interesting list...

http://www.ethicalatheist.com/docs/benefits_of_space_program.html