Space shuttle Atlantis rockets into orbit

Space shuttle Atlantis, has rocketed into orbit with six astronauts and a full load of spare parts for the International Space Station.

Space shuttle Atlantis lifts off from launch pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida November 16, 2009. Atlantis  lifted off its seaside launch pad on Monday, loaded with spare parts to keep the International Space Station flying after the shuttles are retired next year. REUTERS/Scott Audette

Atlantis shot into a partly cloudy sky from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 2:28 pm local time, Monday. Atlantis will reach the space station on Wednesday. The 11-day mission will include three spacewalks and the installation of two platforms to the station's truss, or backbone. The platforms will hold spare parts to sustain station operations after the three remaining space shuttles retire next autumn.

NASA wants to stockpile as many spare parts and equipment as possible at the space station. The supply run should keep the station humming for years to come.