STS036-S-006 (28 Feb 1990) --- The Space Shuttle Atlantis sets off a spectacular light display with the launching of STS-36. Liftoff from KSC's Pad 39A occurred at 2:50 a.m. (EST), February 28, 1990. The launch, actually the 34th STS liftoff, begins another in a series of Department of Defense flights. Onboard the spacecraft are Astronauts John O. Creighton, commander; John H. Casper, pilot; and Richard M. (Mike) Mullane, David C. Hilmers and Pierre J. Thuot, all mission specialists.