This mission was dedicated to the Department of Defense. Unclassified payloads included a satellite and various chemistry and physics experiments. Classified payload consisted of a Multi-Purpose Release Cannister.!
Left to right: Mission Specialist Charles (Lacy) Veach, DOB: 9/18/44, Background: Instructor pilot. Mission specialist on STS-52. Education: B.S. in engineering.
Mission Specialist: Donald McMonagle, DOB: 5/14/52, Background: Colonel, USAF. Pilot on STS-54. Education: M.S. in mechanical engineering.
Mission Specialist Gregory Harbaugh, DOB: 4/15/56, Background: Flew on STS-54. Education: M.S. in physical science.
Commander Michael Coats, DOB:1/16/46, Background: Capt., USN. Pilot on 41-D. Commander of STS-29. Education: M.S. in aeronautical engineering.
Pilot Blaine Hammond Jr., DOB: 1/16/52, Background: Col., USAF. Education: M.S. in engineering.
Mission Specialist Richard Hieb, DOB: 9/21/55, Background: Mission specialist on STS-49. Education: M.S. in aerospace engineering.
Mission Specialist Guion Bluford Jr., DOB: 11/22/42, Background: Col., USAF. Mission specialist on STS-8, 61-A and STS-53. Education: M.B.A.; Ph.D. in aerospace engineering.!
28 April 1991 7:33 a.m. EDT
Launch was originally scheduled for 9 March but assessments showed repair work was needed on the Orbiter. Rescheduled launch was set for 23 April, however, some computer readings were out of specifications and launch was changed to 28 April.!
