STS-27 Orbiter Atlantis. Space Shuttle Atlantis takes flight on its STS-27 mission on December1988, 9:30 a.m. EST, utilizing 375,000 pounds thrust produced by its three main engines. The STS-27 was the third classified mission dedicated the Department of Defence. After completion of mission, Orbiter Atlantis landed December1988, 3:36 p.m. PST at Edwards Air Force Base, California (NASA Media Archives). Buy this as a superb wall poster, a canvas print or a framed print.