The Discovery Space Shuttle is now in orbit after a successful launch. This is the first space shuttle mission in over two and a half years.
Solid Rocket Booster separation was triggered 2-minutes and 5-seconds into the flight after burnout of the putty-like fuel packed inside each rocket. The firing of explosive bolts freed the twin boosters from the side of the External Tank, allowing them to peel away from the Space Shuttle. Parachutes were then automatically deployed from the boosters, allowing them to slowly descend into the Atlantic Ocean where they will be towed back to shore.
A countdown of the launch can be found here on NASA's website. And this page provides information about the STS-114 crew and mission.
