Launch from Cape Canaveral (KSC); landing on Edwards AFB. The launch was originally planned for October 14, 1993. Due to a computer failure this attempt was cancelled. The second attempt one day later was cancelled again - this time due to a S-Band transponder failure.

It was the second Spacelab Life Science mission. The crew performed life sciences research. The experiments focused on cardiovascular, regulatory, neurovestibular and musculoskeletal systems of the body. They made experiments on the crew and on laboratory animals (48 rats).

Crew members conducted experiments aimed at understanding bone tissue loss and the effects of microgravity on sensory perception. Two neurovestibular experiments investigating space motion sickness and perception changes were performed on the 2nd day as well. Astronauts Lucid and Fettman wore a headset, called an Accelerometer recording Unit, designed to continually record head movements throughout the day.

It was the longest shuttle mission to date.