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-66) to view the area Persian Gulf/Iraq.

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.