Space Shuttle Discovery reaches orbit after a successful launch

US space agency NASA celebrated the Independence Day with a successful launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery. They have now confirmed that the Shuttle has reached the orbit with the seven astronauts on board.

The launch took place after two delays on July 1 and July 2. It took off at 2:37:55 p.m. EDT from Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center. This is also the first Space Shuttle flight to take off on July 4.

NASA launch director Michael Leinbach said while talking to the crew onboard just before launch: “Discovery’s ready, the weather’s beautiful; America is ready to return the space shuttle to flight. So good luck and Godspeed, Discovery.”

Steven Lindsey, who is the commander of Discovery’s STS-121 mission responded: “I can’t think of a better place to be here on the Fourth of July. We’re hoping to very soon get you an up close and personal look at the rocket’s red glare.”