The launch of Discovery on its STS-124 mission is seen through the windows of the firing room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

The launch of space shuttle Discovery on its STS-124 mission is seen through the windows of the firing room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Launch was on time at 5:02 p.m. EDT. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett