Space

DATE=11/22/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=SHUTTLE LAUNCH (S-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-296785

BYLINE=DAVID McALARY

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///EDS: ALSO USABLE WITH THIS CR ARE TWO RELATED BACKGROUNDERS: 5-52557, ISSUED NOV. 11, AND 5-52586, ISSUED NOV. 15///

INTRO: The U-S space shuttle Endeavour has blasted off from Florida after weeks of delay due to technical problems. David McAlary reports that it is carrying a new crew to the international space station and more new hardware for the research outpost.

TEXT: The U-S and Russian station team that has been in orbit since June will hand over its duties to a fresh one in a few days. A U-S commander will relieve a Russian one as part of the alternating command rotation.

As the new trio moves in, the years-long assembly of the station moves ahead, with installation of another section of its expanding backbone. The combined shuttle and station crews will mount another 15-meter-aluminum girder. It is the third of 11 trusses that will eventually span 100-meters to hold heat radiators, power, and data relay equipment for future research laboratories.

Like last month's visit by the shuttle Atlantis, two astronauts will make three space-walks to connect the newest truss section to the established structure.

One of the space-walkers will be John Herrington, the first American Indian in space. (SIGNED)

NEB/DEM/MAR/TW