Astronauts arrive for Independence Day launch

Discovery’s astronauts arrived at the launch pad today for the first lift-off of a space shuttle on Independence Day.

After a day of inspections and debates over safety following the discovery of a crack in the foam insulation of the shuttle’s fuel tank, officials decided the launch was a go.

The six US astronauts waved small American flags, and European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Reiter gripped a tiny German banner, as they walked out to the astro van, which drove them to the launch pad.

“Way to go! Hi mom! I love you!” astronaut Mike Fossum said as he dressed in his neon orange spacesuit, giving a thumbs up.

Inspectors spotted the five-inch crack in the foam yesterday.

A three-inch piece of foam also popped out of the area, which covers an expandable bracket holding a liquid oxygen feed line against the huge external fuel tank.

But after several hours of inspections and meetings, officials decided to continue with the launch as planned.