STS099-S-022

STS099-S-022 (11 February 2000) --- The Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off from Kennedy Space Center’s (KSC) Launch Pad 39A to officially begin the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). Launch occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. (EST), February 11, 2000. This low-angle view clearly shows the "diamond-shock" effect of the shuttle's engines. Onboard were astronauts Kevin R. Kregel, mission commander, and Dominic L. Gorie, pilot; along with Janice Voss, Janet L. Kavandi, Mamoru Mohri and Gerhard P. J. Thiele, all mission specialists. Mohri is with Japan's National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele represents the European Space Agency (ESA).