The Space Shuttle Discovery launched on the STS-56 mission, leaving Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff occurred at 8:10 AM EDT. The STS-56 mission spanned a period of 10 days and involved a crew of six astronauts who conducted a range of experiments predominantly focused on atmospheric studies. One of the key experiments was the successful deployment of the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS-2), which was designed to observe the Earth's atmosphere and gather data on solar radiation, pollution, and natural phenomena like clouds. The mission facilitated crucial research that contributed to understanding climate change and atmospheric chemistry.

During the mission, the crew included notable astronauts such as Commander John W. Young, Pilot Brian Duffy, and Mission Specialists Jeffrey A. Hoffman and Charles D. Gemar. The shuttle orbited at approximately 250 nautical miles while traveling at speeds of over 17,000 miles per hour. Scientific collaborations with international partners highlighted the growing global approach to space research. Notably, the mission demonstrated the versatility of the Space Shuttle as a platform for scientific exploration.

The STS-56 mission culminated with a safe landing back at Kennedy Space Center on April 17, 1993. The mission's success not only reinforced the Shuttle program's operational reliability but also enhanced the understanding of the Earth's complex atmospheric systems through innovative research conducted in the unique conditions of space. This mission was instrumental in paving the way for future space exploration endeavors.