The space shuttle Discovery successfully launched this morning.

Godspeed to those astronauts. They carry inspiration for many many Americans.

I hope all goes well. Upon their return they should just sell NASA to private companies.
NASA just doen't cut it. An independent venture would probably perform better and get better results.

Just consider it the a version of the Homestead Acts. The American Space Exploration Freedom Act sounds good.

Just want to dedicate my avatar to all those who said it would not launch and fail again today.

I just watched it! It was spectacular! For the first time, they had cameras mounted on the main fuel tank looking right down the belly of the shuttle back towards Earth. Within minutes of launch you could see the beautiful blue orb of Earth below as the shuttle separated from the fuel tank. Amazing stuff!

I love it and live for the day when we all can take a trip on one- Godspeed to the humans on board that represent the very best of all of us!

Congratulations and well done to all concerned. I'm over joyed to see the shuttle launching safely. I wished I'd been there in person to see and hear it live but ah well... Its a joy and an inspiration to see the shuttle back where it belongs!