Atlantis sails into orbit with Columbus, Feb. 7, 2008

3, 2, 1 and LIFTOFF!
Liftoff of Atlantis -- a 21st century voyage of Columbus begins as the space shuttle clears the tower!

19:45:30 GMT
T-minus 10 seconds, go for main engine start, fuel valves are opening, engine ignition

19:44:59 GMT
T-minus 31 seconds. AUTO SEQUENCE START!

19:44:30 GMT
T-minus 1 minute. Computers are verifying that the main engines are ready for ignition.

19:43:30 GMT
T-minus 2 minutes. The astronauts are being instructed to close and lock the visors on their launch and entry helmets.

19:42:30 GMT
T-minus 3 minutes.

19:37:30 GMT
T-minus 8 minutes and counting.

19:33 GMT
"Atlantis is ready to fly," he just radioed commander Steve Frick

19:22 GMT
All systems are "go" for launch.

19:20 GMT
The International Space Station is orbiting 220 miles above Earth.

18:51 GMT
T-minus 9 minutes and holding. Countdown clocks have gone into the planned 45-minute, 30-second built-in hold.

18:45 GMT
Now one hour away from launch of Atlantis.

J. Martín Canales Romero
Columbus Operation Coordinator
ISS Flight Operations