The US space ship Endeavor departs from Cape Canaveral in Florida carrying a former teacher, who had to wait 20 years for a chance to fly into space.
In 1986, Barbara Morgan was chosen from thousands of candidates for a position for astronaut Christa McAuliffe, who was also a former teacher. Mrs. McAuliffe was on Challenger when it exploded shortly after takeoff, killing all 7 crew members.
After being selected in 86, Barbara Morgan returned to being a teacher for a number of years before becoming a real astronaut in 1998.
Kennedy Space spokesman at Cape Canaveral Debbie Nguyen said when she was in space Mrs. Morgan would have contact with students on earth to answer questions about the work of astronauts and return space.
Endeavor will bring supplies and tools for the International Space Station during a two-week flight in space.
Endeavor carrying teachers waited for 20 years to fly into space (Photo: BBC)
Endeavor was launched into space at 1836 hours last night.
This is Endeavor's first mission since 2002 and
of the second space shuttle in 2007 into space.
When launched, the stern of the ship floated gray smoke rolls.
Reporters recorded the image of Endeavor flying up.
