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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the NASA Causeway, Space Shuttle Discovery makes a perfect launch as it shoots into the blue sky with its own Fourth of July fireworks. The launch made history as it was the first ever launch on Independence Day. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. 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/Carl Winebarger