Space shuttle Discovery has lifted off, representing the U.S. space agency's first manned space mission since the 2003 Columbia disaster.
Crowds at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida cheered as Discovery cleared the launch tower and rose into a clear blue sky today Tuesday.
There were no apparent problems as the shuttle dropped its solid fuel rocket boosters about two minutes after liftoff.
NASA canceled Discovery's previous launch attempt on July 13th because of a fuel gauge malfunction.
Engineers who worked for two weeks to find the source of the problem expressed confidence the fuel sensor will work properly this time.
Discovery carries a seven-person crew that includes a Japanese astronaut. The shuttle is scheduled to stay in space for 12 days and deliver supplies to the International Space Station.
