|
1988 -- Buran Shuttle
During the early days of U.S. space shuttle launches, the Soviets were testing their own reusable shuttle, Buran. The first and only orbital mission was unmanned and launched by the largest Soviet launch vehicle, Energia, in November 1988. The Buran program had its detractors. Many scientists and engineers felt the money and energy expended to build and maintain Buran shuttles could be better used within the existing space program. Shortly after the first launch, the program was canceled. More Views:
|