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Atlantis has lifted; no damages to the thermic shield
Washington, Usa - At the moment of take-off pieces of ice or of foam hit the shuttle
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After many problems and delays Atlantis finally has departed. Saturday at 11:15am the space shuttle lifted from Kennedy Space Center of Cape Canaveral in Florida, toward its 11 day mission at the International Space Station. A mission begun not under the best forecast; a lightning strike, hurricane "Ernesto", and problems to fuel cells caused several delays. A chill ran down the spine of everybody...
AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency - 148589
AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency
AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency