(07/04/06) WEST ORANGE ? Friends and family of NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, of West Orange, watched with pride as their hometown hero launched toward the stars aboard space shuttle Discovery Tuesday.

Kelly?s close friends say they were at a loss for words watching Discovery take off from Cape Canaveral. Those who knew Kelly growing up say he is the type of person who worked extremely hard to be successful. According to friends, Kelly?s attitude and work ethic helped him make it through astronaut training and on to the space shuttle.

Those who live in West Orange say Kelly is risking his life for science and for his country. According to residents, the Independence Day launch will make future Fourth of July holidays even more special to remember. Space travel aspirations appear to be a family affair for the Kelly family. Kelly?s twin brother, Scott, is also a NASA astronaut.

Related information: West Orange native to reach for the stars with shuttle flight