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a_southern_dude t1_j4x9eq2 wrote

I think u/healing-souls was saying that the Buran shuttles were never fully-developed. He's right.

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topcat5 t1_j4xcf6m wrote

Incorrect. They launched one, it orbited the Earth and returned successfully. In 1988. The program ended because the Soviet Union fell.

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healing-souls t1_j4xgpe7 wrote

launching once isn't fully developed.

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topcat5 t1_j4xh5yi wrote

What was it missing?

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healing-souls t1_j4xuvek wrote

well they never tested any engine configurations other than the 4 rocket one they used for the one launch. In theory it could use anywhere from 2-8 engines.

They never used it to put anything into orbit so none of the satellite deployment stuff was ever tested.

And they never launched with humans so none of the life support or other functions were fully vetted.

Read the article someone else posted about it, it's a good read.

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