NEW : The Space Shuttle Atlantis blasted off Monday on schedule at 2:28 p.m . ET . Basically , we 're getting them up there while we still can . '' and will be the first shuttle to launch from Kennedy Space Center since a catastrophic explosion in January destroyed one of its external fuel tanks during launch. The delivery of key spare parts will add years to the space station 's life . The space shuttle fleet is to be retired next year .
NEW : The Space Shuttle Atlantis blasted off Monday on schedule at 2:28 p.m . ET . and will be the first shuttle to launch from Kennedy Space Center since a catastrophic explosion in January destroyed one of its external fuel tanks during launch. The delivery of key spare parts will add years to the space station 's life . The space shuttle fleet is to be retired next year .