Space Shuttle Discovery Launch Close

It has been over two years since the last time a space shuttle has taken off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and early Thursday morning the Space Shuttle Discovery arrived at the launch pad - a full month ahead of its scheduled departure into space.

Shuttle commander Eileen Collins said, "It's a great sight to see Discovery rolling out to the launch pad. We know we are getting close."

Discovery's slated launch in May comes two years and two months after Columbia exploded over Texas due to a flaw in its insulation system. It is believed that a chunk of insulation from the fuel tank cut a gaping hole in one of the shuttle's wings that allowed the extreme heat of reentry to weaken the craft.

Concerns over a crack in the foam insulation of Discovery, found earlier this week, were downplayed by scientists who claim that the one-inch hole is in an "insignificant place" and poses no threat to the crew or the ship.

"It doesn't sound like it's a major issue, but because the foam is a sensitive issue we want to make sure we're in a safe and right configuration," NASA official Jessica Rye said.

According to NASA, it has used up the padding put into the schedule to meet a launch window of May 15 to June 3. "If everything went exactly as we had planned, we actually could launch on the 15th," said shuttle program manager Bill Parsons. However, some within NASA said a late May launch seems more likely.