NASA - STS-38Follow this link to skip to the main contentNASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration› Follow this link to Login to MyNASALog In To MyNASA|› Sign UpHomeNewsNews & FeaturesRecovery InformationShuttle & StationMoon & MarsSolar SystemUniverseAeronauticsEarthTechnologyNASA in Your LifeNASA PeopleNASA HistoryMissionsMissionsMission CalendarLaunch ScheduleMultimediaMultimediaImagesVideoPodcastsNASA TVInteractive Features3D ResourcesRSS FeedsBlogsWorldbook@NASAConnectBlogsRSSTwitterFacebookYouTubeFlickriTunesMore Social Media ...About NASAAbout NASAWhat NASA DoesRecovery InformationNASA LeadershipCareers@NASANASA LocationsNASA CalendarBudget and PerformanceReportsResearch OpportunitiesRequest a NASA SpeakerRequest a NASA ExhibitNASA Home > Missions > Space Shuttle > Shuttle Missions > Archives SendPrintFollow this link to Share This PageShare MissionsMissions HighlightsCurrent MissionsCurrent Missions Space Shuttle Shuttle Missions Archives Behind the Scenes Launch & Landing Multimedia News & Media Resources Vehicle Structure Past MissionsFuture MissionsLaunch ScheduleMission Calendar People Who Read This Also Read...Space Shuttle Mission ArchivesText SizeGrow Text SizeShrink Text Size STS-38 Mission: Department of Defense Space Shuttle: Atlantis Launch Pad: 39A Launch Weight: classified Launched: November 15, 1990, 6:48:15 p.m. EST Landing Site: Shuttle Landing Facility, Kennedy Space Center Landing: November 20, 1990, 4:42:46 p.m. EST Landing Weight: 191,091 pounds Runway: 33 Rollout Distance: 9,0003 feet Rollout Time: 56 seconds Revolution: 79 Mission Duration: 4 days, 21 hours, 54 minutes, 31 seconds Orbit Altitude: 142 nautical miles Orbit Inclination: 28.5 degrees Miles Traveled: 2 million Crew Members Image above: STS-38 Crew photo with Commander Richard O. Covey, Pilot Frank L. Culbertson Jr., Mission Specialists Robert C. Springer, Carl J. Meade and Charles D. Gemar. Image Credit: NASA Launch Highlights The launch was originally scheduled for July 1990. However, a liquid hydrogen leak found on the orbiter Columbia during the STS-35 countdown prompted three precautionary tanking tests on Atlantis at the pad on June 29, July 13 and July 25. Tests confirmed a hydrogen fuel leak on external tank side of external tank/orbiter 17-inch quick disconnect umbilical. This could not be repaired at the pad and Atlantis rolled back to the VAB on August 9, was demated and transferred to the OPF. During rollback, the vehicle parked outside the VAB about a day while COLUMBIA/STS-35 stack was transferred to the pad for launch. Outside, Atlantis suffered minor hail damage to tiles during a thunderstorm. After repairs were made in the OPF, Atlantis was transferred to the VAB for mating on October 2. During hoisting operations, a platform beam that should have been removed from aft compartment fell and caused minor damage which was repaired. Vehicle rolled out to Pad A on October 12. Fourth mini-tanking test performed October 24, with no excessive hydrogen or oxygen leakage detected. At Flight Readiness Review, launch date was set for November 9. Launch was reset for November 15 due to payload problems. Liftoff occurred during a classified launch window lying within a launch period extending from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. EST, November 15, 1990. Mission Highlights Seventh mission dedicated to Department of Defense. NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center Related Sites > NASA's Orbiter Fleet > NASA's Launch Schedule > Shuttle Reference Manual > Shuttle Archives › Back To Top NASA HomePage Last Updated: February 18, 2010 Page Editor: Jeanne Ryba NASA Official: Brian DunbarBudgets, Strategic Plans and Accountability Reports Equal Employment Opportunity Data Posted Pursuant to the No Fear Act Information-Dissemination Policies and Inventories Freedom of Information Act Privacy Policy & Important Notices NASA Advisory Council Inspector General Hotline Office of the Inspector General NASA Communications Policy Contact NASA Site Map USA.gov ExpectMore.gov Open Government at NASA Help and Preferences