The first human-spaceflight mission since the disastrous explosion of the shuttle Columbia has begun it’s 3-day countdown to launch. The astronauts prepping for mission STS-121 aboard the space shuttle Discovery are assured the ship is safe to fly it’s 32nd space flight, after year-long testing of the craft. STS-121 will spend 12-days in space, delivering new supplies and a new ESA (European Space Agency) tenant to the International Space Station, performing various in-orbit repairs, and performaning general maintenance and tests. Those interested can watch the launch online via NASA TV, Saturday, July 1st.

[NASA shuttle missions page | NASA TV]

[Update 2. Today's launch was again scrubbed due to weather. The next open-window will occur around 2:38 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, July 4. If the launch takes place on this day, it will be the first space shuttle launch performed on the U.S. Independence Day holiday.]

[Update 1. The Discovery launch has been delayed due to weather concerns around Cape Canaveral. The launch has been rescheduled for July 2nd, at 3:26pm EDT]