Buran is a Soviet/Russian uncrewed spacecraft designed and built between 1976 and 1988 as a response to the American Space Shuttle. Buran was launched into space once in 1988 without a crew using the Energia launch vehicle. The Buran spacecraft was designed to transport people and cargo into space, service space stations, and perform other space missions. However, after its first flight, the Buran program was canceled due to insufficient funds and resources for further space exploration.
Only five Buran spacecraft were ever built. The first and only Buran flight took place on November 15, 1988, as part of the Buran-1.01 mission. Several prototypes and models were also built for testing, but they were never launched into space.
The Buran Space Shuttle (OK-1K1) is on display in Moscow’s Gorky Park. Visitors can take a tour of the ship and learn about its history and features. However, it is worth noting that this is not the original hull, but a replica made from fiberglass materials.
In fact, a few years ago a copy of the Buran was created, which was intended for an exhibition in the popular science center “Cosmostar”. But later this center closed, and the copy of the Buran was transferred to Gorky Park.
However, visiting Buran in Gorky Park is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of this amazing spacecraft and take a closer look at space technology.