SPACEPHOTOS

(05/27/1999) -- Space Shuttle Discovery is hurled through a gossamer sky after launch today on mission STS-96. Lifting off at 6:49:42 a.m. EDT, the crew of seven begin a 10-day logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station. Discovery carries about 4,000 pounds of supplies, to be stored aboard the station for use by future crews, including laptop computers, cameras, tools, spare parts, and clothing. The mission also includes such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-involved experiment. It will include a space walk to attach the cranes to the outside of the ISS for use in future construction. Landing is expected at the SLF on June 6 about 1:58 a.m. EDT