Energiya-buran: The Soviet Space Shuttle Apr 2026

: Some atmospheric test variants, like the OK-GLI , were equipped with jet engines that allowed them to take off from a standard runway under their own power for flight testing. The Maiden Flight

The program was primarily driven by military concerns—specifically the fear that the U.S. Shuttle could be used as a "space bomber" to target Moscow. However, following the in 1991, funding evaporated. Energiya-Buran: The Soviet Space Shuttle

: The Buran was designed for fully autonomous flight from the start. Its only orbital mission was conducted entirely without a crew, including a precise automated landing in high winds—a feat the U.S. Shuttle never attempted. : Some atmospheric test variants, like the OK-GLI