The Launch of STS 129 mission went like clock-work today at Kennendy Space Center.  This marks the 160th American Manned Space Flight and the 31st flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis

Titled "Stocking the Station" the shuttle is carrying with it the first ExPRESS 1 and 2 Logistics Carriers loaded with various spare parts and equipment for the International Space Station. These delivery of  additional parts and equipment are intended extend the life the International Space Station.

Only five planned shuttle launches remain. Many in the space industry are hopeful that President Obama will extend or at least provide additional funding to get the new ARES program in place sooner to shorten the gap in our ability to launch manned space flights. If all goes according to the current plan the US will be unable to launch manned space flights because the Shuttle program will end in 2010 and the earliest manned ARES launch will be no sooner than 2015.