NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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Trailing a column of fire and clouds, space shuttle Discovery roars into space carrying the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray and Robert Murray

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In the firing room at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Shuttle Launch Director Michael Leinbach (2nd from right) and launch managers applaud the liftoff of space shuttle Discovery. Photo credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
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Out of clouds of smoke and steam, space shuttle Discovery hurtles toward space on the 23rd assembly mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Debbie Odom
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The STS-120 crew members pause to wave to spectators and well wishers as they head for NASA's Astrovan. Leading the way at right is Commander Pamela Melroy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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The STS-120 crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building after donning their orange flight suits. They're headed for the transport vehicle that will take them to the launch pad. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Mission Specialist Daniel Tani, who is making his second shuttle flight to the International Space Station, is getting his flight suit fitted. Tani will be remaining on station to join the Expedition 16 crew after the mission is complete. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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The STS-120 crew members have gathered for the traditional meal before launch. Around the table are Mission Specialists Paolo Nespoli (left) and Daniel Tani, Pilot George Zamka, Commander Pamela Melroy and Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson, Scott Parazynski and Doug Wheelock. Melroy is only the second woman to command a shuttle mission. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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On NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, space shuttle Discovery is fully revealed after rollback of the rotating service structure. The service structure provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and is one of the milestones in preparation for the launch of mission STS-120. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Elaine M. Marconi
NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center