The Space Shuttle Atlantis turns night into day for a few moments as it lifts off on the STS-84 mission. The fourth Shuttle mission of 1997 was the sixth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. The mission involved the transfer of more than 7,300 pounds of water, logistics, and science equipment to and from the Mir. Atlantis carried a nearly 300-pound oxygen generator to replace one of two Mir units which have experienced malfunctions. The oxygen it generates is used for breathing by the Mir crew.
* Image credit - Kennedy Space Center
* This text was adapted from a Kennedy Space Center image caption.
