KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Clearing the lighting rod on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery makes history as the first to launch on Independence Day as it rockets into the clear blue sky. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Sandy Joseph & Robert Murray
Location Kennedy Space Center, FL
Date July 4, 2006