"I have a good report," Hale said at an evening press conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. "The tank performed very, very well indeed," he said.

    Based on early analysis of photographs taken during ascent, just a few items have been identified for further study. Some involve debris particles shed by the massive orange tank. The particles observed are small, and all occur after the time frame -- up to two minutes, 15 seconds into ascent -- that engineers consider to be the most aerodynamically sensitive time for the shuttle.

    About fifteen minutes into the flight, astronaut on board Discovery filmed a large piece of ice tumbling away from the orbiter. The ice, which forms on the exterior of the main engines, has been observed on previous flight and is not considered an issue.

    "We don't see any concern for the orbiter," Hale reported, and added that in the coming days, the crew will take a closer look at Discovery using the orbiter boom sensor system as well a slow back flip that will allow further photography of the orbiter from the International Space Station.

    With a rocket's red glare, space shuttle Discovery lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in a spectacular display of sound and light befitting of Independence Day. Enditem

The seven crew members wave on their way to board the space shuttle Discovery at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, the United State, July 4, 2006. The launch of the space shuttle Discovery, after being postponed two times, is scheduled on July 4. (Xinhua Photo)