Space Shuttle Atlantis was launched on the STS-36 mission from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, embarking on a significant spaceflight primarily aimed at deploying a classified payload for the United States Department of Defense. Launched on February 28, 1990, Atlantis lifted off at 10:22 a.m. EST and was crewed by a team of astronauts, including Commander John T. Blaha, Pilot Richard N. Richards, and Mission Specialists Charles D. Gemar, Jerry L. Ross, and John M. Lounge. This mission was notable for its secrecy, as much of what occurred during STS-36 remained classified for years due to its military nature.During the six-day mission, Atlantis orbited the Earth while deploying a satellite payload, with critical operational support and monitoring from NASA’s Mission Control at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The mission concluded successfully with the shuttle landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California on March 4, 1990. The successful deployment of the payload illustrated the capabilities of NASA's Space Shuttle program and its role in advanced military and reconnaissance operations, underpinning the ongoing Cold War tensions of the time. STS-36 demonstrated the dual-use of shuttle technology for both scientific and defense purposes, solidifying the shuttle's place in the evolution of American spaceflight policies.In addition to the classified mission, the STS-36 flight served to further refine the procedures for future space missions. This included lessons learned regarding payload deployment and shuttle reentry technology, which would be critical for later missions involving more complex satellite deployments and international partnerships. The comprehensive support crew and their effective execution underscored the importance of crew training and the operational capabilities of shuttle missions under varied conditions.