Endeavour shuttle blasts off to ISS
MOSCOW. July 16. KAZINFORM The Endeavour space shuttle has been launched to the International Space Station after a month's delay, carrying seven astronauts; Kazinform refers to RIA Novosti.
The launch took place on Wednesday evening from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, after several postponements due to hydrogen leaks in June and this week's storms.
"Following a smooth countdown with no technical issues and weather that steadily improved throughout the afternoon, the shuttle lifted off from Launch Pad 39A and began its orbital chase of the International Space Station," NASA said.
The shuttle is expected to reach the orbital space station on Friday, to complete the assembly of Japan's Kibo laboratory.
During Wednesday's takeoff, pieces of foam were seen peeling off the shuttle's fuel tank. However, NASA's associate administrator for space operations, Bill Gerstenmaier said the damage was "probably coating losses," and would not pose a problem; Kazinform cites RIA Novosti.
See www.en.rian.ru for full version.