Atlantis to Orbit . ... No species other than human can even comprehend what is going on, nor could any human just a millennium ago. The launch of a rocket bound for space is an event that inspires awe and challenges description. Pictured above , the Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off to visit the International Space Station during the early morning hours of July 12. ... Rockets bound for space are now launched from somewhere on Earth about once a week . ... NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...