Space Brief 18 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include a Minotaur IV launch of U.S. spy satellites, Rocket Lab's new defense contracts, and the unveiling of Space Force's warfighting framework. Plus, the Satellite Spotlight dives into METEOR 3-1.
STS 27 (19670)
COSPAR: 1988-106A | Alt Name: Atlantis (STS-27)
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 2, 1988
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39B
Launch Vehicle
Space Shuttle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
19670
International Designator
1988-106A
Decay Date
12/6/1988
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STS 27
Alternative Name
Atlantis (STS-27)
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JSC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STS 27, also known as Atlantis (STS-104), is a winged orbiter spacecraft operated by NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC). Launched on December 2, 1988, from Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center using a Space Shuttle launch vehicle, this crewed spacecraft has dimensions of 37.3 meters in length and span, with a diameter of 23.8 meters. It had a dry mass of 85,743 kilograms and a launch mass of 92,627 kilograms. The satellite was manufactured by Rockwell International (RWI) and powered by fuel cells and batteries, featuring a propulsion system with two OME (AJ10-190) motors. STS 27's primary purpose was to serve as a crewed spacecraft for missions in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
37.3
Diameter
23.8
Span
37.3
Dry Mass
85743
Launch Mass
92627
Shape
Box + 2 Wing + Fin
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
OV-104
Purpose
Crewed Spacecraft
Mission
Crewed Spacecraft
Manufacturer
RWI
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
STS OV
Configuration
Winged orbiter
Motor
2 x OME (AJ10-190)
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Fuel cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 22 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin's national security mission, a new missile interceptor project by Space Force, developments with Starship boosters, and more.
The Morning a Supply Ship Tore Open Mir
On 25 June 1997, a seven-ton cargo ship under hand control drifted into Mir's Spektr module, breached the hull, and left three crew members listening to their air hiss into space. It remains the worst collision in the history of human spaceflight.
X Report 25 Oct 2025
SpaceX prepares for a record-setting launch of Starlink satellites, while Iridium faces challenges against SpaceX's expanding services.
Space Brief 26 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights major developments including NASA's Dream Chaser contract modifications, Germany's significant investment in space capabilities, and advancements in hybrid satcom technology.
The Day Destiny Changed the Space Station Forever
Twenty-four years ago, two spacewalking astronauts battled an ammonia leak while installing the U.S. Laboratory module Destiny, transforming the International Space Station from a construction site to a world-class research facility
Space Brief 11 May 2025
Discover the latest innovations from Rocket Lab, new developments in hypersonic flight, and significant advances in satellite technology with BlackSky. Gain insights into the Space Force's mission and MIT physicists' breakthroughs in observing atoms.
The Day We Lost Apollo 1
Fifty-eight years ago, a tragic fire during a routine test transformed spacecraft design and created the foundation of modern spaceflight safety culture