Space Shuttle Discovery and its seven-member crew launched at 2:38 (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 (EDT) Thursday July 6, 2006. The shuttle made history as it was the first human-occupying 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.

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