Related: Rollout of space shuttle Discovery delayed by minor flaw

The space shuttle Discovery was moved to launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:30 a.m. local time in preparation for the first shuttle flight since the Columbia accident 26 months ago. (Photo: Xinhua/AFP)

Discovery arrived at launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:30 a.m. local time in preparation for the first shuttle flight since the Columbia accident 26 months ago. (Photo: Xinhua/AFP)

The 4.2-mile trip to the coastal Florida facility on a 2,700- ton, double-tracked transport vehicle took about seven hours, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (Photo: Xinhua/AFP)

    BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Space shuttle Discovery has completed a 7-hour pilgrimage to the launch pad after a brief delay caused by a crack in the external fuel tank's foam insulation.

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    Discovery arrived at launch pad 39-B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:30 a.m. local time in preparation for the first shuttle flight since the Columbia accident 26 months ago.

    The 4.2-mile trip to the coastal Florida facility on a 2,700- ton, double-tracked transport vehicle took about seven hours, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

    The date of launch period for Discovery runs from May 15 to June 3, subjecting to change should technical problems arise.

(Photo: Xinhua/AFP)

    "It's a great sight to see Discovery rolling out to the launchpad," said Eileen Collins, commander of the shuttle's five-man, two-woman crew. "We know we are getting close."

    The rollout of space shuttle Discovery to the launch pad was briefly delayed Wednesday because of a hairline crack found in the foam insulation on the ship's external fuel tank.

    An independent group tracking the space agency's compliance with the findings of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board has not completed its final assessment.

    Earlier this week, Bill Parsons, NASA's shuttle program manager, said there was a "50-50" chance of a delay.

    "There is not much left to be done. We're making the final checks and waiting for everyone to be comfortable the vehicle is ready to go," said astronaut Steve Robinson, who is preparing for his third flight aboard Discovery. "She's an old friend to me, and I just can't wait to see her in the daylight with her nose pointed toward the stars." Enditem

    (Agencies)