Emotional Blastoff for Space Shuttle

After nearly a week of delays, space shuttle Endeavour blasted off under heavy protection Wednesday on a flight to deliver a new crew to the international space station.

The shuttle left a beautiful gold and peach contrail as it rose from its seaside pad shortly before sunset, carrying seven astronauts and a load of station supplies.

It was NASA’s first mission since the Sept. 11 attacks, and it received more security than any other liftoff.

Shuttle commander Dominic Gorie’s parting words stirred emotions in the launch control center and everywhere else.

“We’re all aware that for over 200 years and certainly over the last two months, freedom rings loud and clear across this country,” Gorie called out just before liftoff. “But right here and right now, it’s time to let freedom roar. Let’s light them up!”

Endeavour had been poised for liftoff since last Thursday. A jammed docking mechanism at the space station forced two delays. Once that was fixed, bad weather interfered at the last minute with a launch attempt Tuesday. NASA fretted over clouds and gusty wind again Wednesday, but the conditions improved in time for the 5:19 p.m. EST launch.

Fighter jets and helicopters were on patrol throughout the countdown, as well as military personnel in camouflage. A no-fly zone was established 35 miles around the launching pad, and boats were banned within three miles of shore.

The shuttle was also carrying New York City police and fire regalia, including badges and patches, and flags from the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania. Also on board were thousands of small American flags, which will be distributed after Endeavour’s 11-day flight to families of those killed Sept. 11 and some of those who survived the attacks.

NASA calls its flags-in-space campaign “flags for heroes and families.” Displayed prominently inside Mission Control after liftoff were three navy baseball caps marked NYPD (New York Police Department), FDNY (Fire Department of New York) and New York City OEM (Office of Emergency Management).