Space Shuttle Launched With New Station Crew

The space shuttle Endeavour roared into orbit Wednesday on a flight to deliver new residents to the International Space Station, after nearly a week’s delay.

The launch had been postponed first by thunderstorms, then by a leaky valve. The weather finally cooperated late Wednesday afternoon, and the shuttle and its crew of seven climbed through low, puffy clouds on their way to space.

It was welcome news to the three space station astronauts, in orbit since December. They were passing 240 miles above the Indian Ocean near Australia, and out of communication, when Endeavour blasted off with their replacements.

The bulletin came 24 minutes later from Mission Control: “It’s on its way.”

“All right!” space station astronaut Daniel Bursch shouted as crewmate Carl Walz whooped in delight.

“I knew you would be happy to hear that,” added Mission Control’s Frank Culbertson, who commanded the previous station crew. “You have a lot to do yet. But you’ve done a great job up there, far exceeded what’s been done before, and we’re very proud of you.”

Endeavour--the astronauts’ ride home--is due to arrive at the space station Friday.

As a precaution against terrorists, fighter jets patrolled the no-fly zone around the launch pad until after Endeavour’s liftoff. Also, NASA shrouded the activities of the U.S., Russian and French crew until it was climbing aboard their spaceship.

In midafternoon, a small plane that had taken off from a flight school was ordered out of the restricted area and instructed to land. The plane came no closer than 40 miles to the shuttle, Air Force officials said.

Endeavour is due back on Earth June 17.