Launch from Cape Canaveral (KSC); landing on Cape Canaveral (KSC).

The launch was originally scheduled for July 1990, but was rescheduled due to a hydrogen leak found on Space Shuttle Columbia during the STS-35 countdown. During a rollback to the Orbiter Processing Facility Atlantis was damaged during a hail storm. The eventual launch date of November 15, 1990 was set due to a payload problem.

Seventh mission dedicated to Department of Defense; deploying of reconnaissance satellite AFP-658 (Magnum-3; USA-67, US Department of Defense electronics intelligence (ELINT)) to view the area Persian Gulf/Iraq. Unconfirmed reports state a second optically stealthy, geosynchronous satellite inspector, named Prowler was launched into geosynchronous orbit too.

The mission extended one day, because of to high crosswinds at the original planned landing site Edwards AFB. Continued adverse conditions led to decision to shift landing to KSC.