SPACEPHOTOS

(05/27/1999) -- The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-96 is reflected in the waters of Banana Creek just after sunrise. Liftoff occurred at 6:49:42 a.m. EDT. In the shadows near the bottom are silhouetted a number of spectators at the Banana Creek viewing site. STS-96 is on a 10-day logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station. Along with 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, 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 includes 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