I can tell you categorically that these pics are NOT taken from the ISS.
NASA has a chase plane in the air for all launches, but I don't deny the images aren't great. Probably the best seat in the house.
The NASA website has some mind blowing launch footage in it's archives.
If you want to see something awesome go here:
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogal … hives.htmland watch the video titled:
STS-121 Right Aft Solid Rocket Booster Video
Not much happens until the booster seperates about a quarter of the way into the video, but I promise you it's worth waiting for. Just beautiful.
Any of the external tank vids are interesting and definately worth watching until splashdown.
My favourite (english spelling) shuttle statistics?
0 - 700 mph in 50 secs
0 - 3000 mph in 1 min 50 secs (!)
0 - 11,000 mph (and 80 miles) in 6 mins 30 secs
0 - 17,000 mph (nearly orbital velocity) in 8 mins 30 secs