STS-121 Launch of the orbiter Discovery

STS121-S-030 (4 July 2006) --- Space shuttle Discovery and its seven-member crew launched at 2:38 p.m. (EDT) to begin the two-day journey to the International Space Station on the historic Return to Flight STS-121 mission. Discovery is slated to dock with the station at 10:52 a.m. (EDT) Thursday July 6, 2006. The shuttle made history as it was the first human-occupied spacecraft to launch on Independence Day. 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 space station. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administrtion