NASA Administrator Mike Griffin congratulates the launch team on the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121.

In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center, NASA Administrator Mike Griffin congratulates the launch team on the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. The launch was the first ever to take place on Independence Day. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. Others next to Griffin are (left to right) David R. Mould, assistant administrator for NASA Public Affairs ; Lisa Malone, director of External Relations at Kennedy; Bruce Buckingham, news chief at the NASA News Center at Kennedy; and Mike Leinbach, Shuttle Program director. 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/Kim Shiflett