Buran Program: USSR's Unfortunate Cold War Spacecraft

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In summary, the conversation discusses the Buran program, a Soviet spacecraft that was developed in the 1980s as a response to the US space shuttle program. The program faced many challenges, including an accident that killed eight workers and destroyed one of the vehicles. Despite these setbacks, the Buran had several improvements over the US shuttle, such as full autopilot capabilities and the use of an Energiya booster. The conversation also touches on the dangers of space exploration and the loss of astronauts on both sides.
  • #1
Clausius2
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I was nostalgic of the 80's and the cold war and I came up with this while surfing the web:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buran_program

The Buran's program. It's incredible how much bad luck did they have. Eventually an hangar collapsed down and killed 8 workers and one of the built vehicles. Too much similarity with shuttle though.
 
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  • #2
It's an american knock-off; only we did it right the first time.
 
  • #3
Actually, the Buran had numerous improvements on the OVa - despite having a somewhat different mission profile. Foremost is that it doesn't have main engines; the launch vehicle is an Energiya booster, not a fuel tank.

Buran's major advantage was that it had full autopilot and could be unmanned for any mission if desired.
 
  • #4
cyrusabdollahi said:
It's an american knock-off; only we did it right the first time.

with two crews killed did we do it right? :frown:
 
  • #5
ray b said:
with two crews killed did we do it right? :frown:
How many flights have the Russians put up? How many has the US? Both accidents were more of a procedural screw up, not design flaws. The Russians have lost their share of Astronauts as well. It is a dangerous business no matter what way you look at it.
 

FAQ: Buran Program: USSR's Unfortunate Cold War Spacecraft

What was the Buran Program?

The Buran Program was a Soviet space program initiated in response to the United States' Space Shuttle Program during the Cold War. It aimed to develop a reusable spacecraft that could be used for a variety of missions, including military and civilian purposes.

When did the Buran Program begin and end?

The Buran Program officially began in 1974, but the first and only orbital flight of the Buran spacecraft took place in 1988. The program was officially cancelled in 1993 due to the collapse of the Soviet Union and lack of funding.

How did the Buran spacecraft differ from the American Space Shuttle?

Although the Buran spacecraft resembled the American Space Shuttle, it had several key differences. The Buran had a larger payload capacity, a fully automated flight system, and the ability to launch without a crew on board. It also used a different launch system and did not have reusable boosters like the Space Shuttle.

What were the main achievements of the Buran Program?

The main achievement of the Buran Program was the successful flight of the Buran spacecraft in 1988. It completed two orbits around the Earth before landing safely back on the ground. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union and lack of funding prevented any further missions.

What ultimately led to the downfall of the Buran Program?

The Buran Program faced several challenges, including the high cost of development and the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, the main factor that led to its downfall was the lack of a clear mission or purpose. Without a clear objective, the program struggled to secure funding and support, ultimately resulting in its cancellation in 1993.

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