Going Up, Coming Down: Discovery blasts past worry about rain and into orbit

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.

Space shuttle Discovery and a crew of seven rocketed into orbit yesterday in pursuit of the International Space Station, where a formidable construction job awaits them.

Discovery blasted off at 11:38 a.m., racing through clouds. It carried a giant Tinkertoy-type link that must be installed at the space station before European and Japanese laboratories can arrive.

Despite a forecast calling for rain right at launch time, the weather cooperated. Also, a piece of ice on plumbing between the external fuel tank and Discovery - 4 inches by 11/2 inches - was deemed too small by NASA to pose a launch hazard.

Launch director Mike Leinbach wished the crew good luck and Godspeed just before liftoff.