Buran vs Space Shuttle

While the US Space Shuttle with its boosters and external fuel tank is the launch vehicle, the Soviet Buran is just "payload" aboard the Energia rocket. The Energia was designed to be used with the Buran, or with other payloads inside its nose-cone or attached to its' side: A more versatile design.

Buran is equipped with ejection seats for all occupants. It has two engines, enabling it to fly to a landing spot. And it has a more protective heat shield than the US Space Shuttle...

Buran had automatic landing capability and landed itself in its' only flight in 1988.

The Buran-Energia project was created at the beginning of the seventies and canceled in 1993 for lack of funds.

All things considered, I think Buran was the better idea.

Images from Dark Roasted Blend
Categories:Science