Around the World: United States

Space shuttle on its way

Endeavour and six astronauts rocketed into orbit yesterday on what's likely the last nighttime launch for the shuttle program, hauling a new room and observation deck for the International Space Station.

The space shuttle took flight before dawn, igniting the sky with a brilliant flash seen for miles around. The weather finally cooperated: Thick, low clouds that had delayed a first launch attempt on Sunday returned, but then cleared away just in time.