The space shuttle Discovery has finally blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in the US. The take-off had twice been delayed by bad weather and there was also a problem with a fuel tank. The seven-strong crew blasted off at just after 7.30 pm UK time. It was the first shuttle launch for a year. The take-off date was significant as July 4 is US Independence Day. The vehicle’s mission will take it to the International Space Station (ISS). It was only the second flight since the Columbia shuttle was brought down three-and-a-half years ago, killing everyone on board. Commander Steven Lindsey was at the controls and aiming to reach the ISS in two days.