(07/12/2001) -- Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off in a blaze of light that spotlights it against the still-black sky and reflects in the nearby waters. Launch of Atlantis on mission STS-104 from Pad 39B was on time at 5:03:59 a.m. EDT. The 10th assembly flight to the International Space Station, the mission is delivering the joint airlock module, which will require two spacewalks to attach it to the Space Station. The airlock will be the primary path for Space Station spacewalk entry and departure for U.S. spacesuits, and will also support the Russian Orlan spacesuit for EVA activity