NASA Space Shuttle Endeavour Launches

Commander Mark Kelly and his crew soared into the morning sky at 8:56 a.m. as the NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavour took off for it's final voyage Monday as thousands of onlookers watched, including recovering Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.).

Despite recovering from a severe head wound after she was shot in January, Giffords arrived at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to see her husband take off. 

"The presence of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords at the launch inspired us all, just as America's space program has done for the past 50 years," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. 

“Godspeed to Commander Mark Kelly, the pride of West Orange and the 8th district, and his wife, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords on this momentous day," said U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-8), whose congressional district covers West Orange.

"We pray for the safety of Commander Kelly and his crew as they continue the brave and noble American endeavor of unlocking some of the infinite mysteries of our universe. We also pray for the continued recovery of Congresswoman Giffords who has, through her staff, worked to raise awareness of traumatic brain injuries for the benefit of all who sustain them," he said. 

Giffords was shot during a "Congress on Your Corner" session outside a Safeway grocery store in Tucson, Ariz. She was one of 20 people shot in the Jan. 8 incident, including Rutherford native Phyllis Schneck, 79.  Six people died in the incident.

The shuttle launch was originally planned  for April, but was rescheduled after problems with the onboard heater. According to NASA, the 16-day mission will provide critical supplies to the space station. 

"This mission represents the power of teamwork, commitment and exploration," said Kelly said shortly before liftoff. "It is in the DNA of our great country to reach for the stars and explore. We must not stop. To all the millions watching today including our spouses, children, family and friends, we thank you for your support." 

Kelly's decision to command the Endeavour's final voyage came nearly a month after his wife was wounded.

He is a 1982 Mountain High School graduate and a former West Orange First Aid Squad volunteer. His parents, Richard and Patricia, retired from the West Orange Police Department more than 10 years ago. Kelly joined NASA in April 1996 and is a veteran of three space flights.

"Today's final launch of Endeavour is a testament to American ingenuity and leadership in human spaceflight," said Bolden. "As we look toward a bright future with the International Space Station as our anchor and new destinations in deep space on the horizon, we salute the astronauts and ground crews who have ensured the orbiter's successful missions."

"This is an amazing story," said Assemblyman John McKeon (D-Essex) and former West Orange mayor. "I spoke to Mark's father about 10 years ago and he said, 'Before it's over, both of my boys will be in space,' and I think that came pretty close to being true." Kelly has a twin brother, Scott, who is also as astronaut.