This was the third mission totally dedicated to the Department of Defense. Again mission objectives were classified information.
This was also the third flight of Atlantis.
!
Seated, left to right: Pilot Guy Gardner, DOB: 1/6/48, Background: Col., USAF. Pilot on STS-35. Education: B.S. in engineering sciences, astronautics and mathematics; M.S. in astronautics.
Commander Robert Gibson, DOB: 10/30/46, Background: Capt., USN. Pilot of 41-B. Commander on 61-C and STS-47. Education: B.S. in aeronautical engineering.
Mission Specialist Jerry Ross, DOB: 1/20/48, Background: Col., USAF. Mission specialist on 61-B and STS-37. Education: M.S. in mechanical engineering.
Standing, left to right: Mission Specialist William Shepherd, DOB: 6/26/49, Background: Navy Captain. Flew on STS-41 and STS-52. Education: B.S. in aerospace engineering; M.S. in mechanical engineering; ocean engineering degree.
Mission Specialist Richard (Mike) Mullane, DOB: 10/10/45, Background: Col., USAF. Mission specialist on 41-D and STS-36. Education: B.S. in military engineering; M.S. in aeronautical engineering.!
2 December 1988 9:30 a.m. EST
Launch was originally scheduled for 1 December but was postponed due to unacceptable weather conditions.!
