Endeavour lifts off!!!!

Endeavour has cleared the launch tower, headed on a 9-minute trip to orbit.

"It's our turn to take home improvement to a new level," said shuttle Commander Chris Ferguson, as shuttle Endeavour received a go for launch.

A flopping door in the white room was deemed not to be a problem that could cause major damage.

On a 15-day mission to the International Space Station, Endeavour's crew of seven will perform four spacewalks to repair the 10-foot joint that turns the starboard solar panel toward the sun. The shuttle will also deliver a second bathroom and about 15,000 pounds of supplies.

Chris Ferguson commands the crew, which includes Pilot Eric Boe, mission specialists Donald Pettit, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Steve Bowen, Shane Kimbrough and Sandra Magnus.

Expedition 17/18 flight engineer Gregory Chamitoff will return to Earth with the Endeavour crew and Magnus will remain on the International Space Station.

Included in the payload are additional sleeping quarters, an exercise device and other household-type equipment.