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Russian shuttle Buran on launch pad at night
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Russian shuttle Buran on launch pad at night
The first Russian space shuttle, Buran, seen at night on its launch-pad. Buran was the first of five Russian shuttle vehicles, known collectively as the VKK (Vozdushno Kosmicheskiy Korabl = Air- Space Ship), and was only qualified for a single, unmanned flight. The second and third vehicles were qualified for 25 flights each. The fourth vehicle is used for training, and the fifth is reportedly available for sale. Buran made its one and only flight on 15 November 1988, carried into space by an Energia launcher. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the VKK program was cancelled before any other Shuttle could be flown
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This print showcases the Russian shuttle Buran, illuminated against the night sky on its launch pad. As the first of five Russian shuttle vehicles, collectively known as VKK (Vozdushno Kosmicheskiy Korabl), Buran holds a significant place in space exploration history. However, it was only qualified for a single unmanned flight. The second and third shuttles in this series were certified for an impressive 25 flights each, highlighting Russia's ambition to establish a robust manned spaceflight program. The fourth vehicle primarily serves as a training tool, while reports suggest that the fifth is available for sale. Buran embarked on its one and only mission on November 15th, 1988. Carried into space by an Energia launcher, it symbolized Russia's pursuit of technological advancement during the Soviet era. Unfortunately, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the VKK program faced cancellation before any further shuttles could take flight. This photograph not only captures the awe-inspiring beauty of Buran against a dark backdrop but also represents an important chapter in aerospace history. It serves as a reminder of Russia's contributions to space exploration and their aspirations to conquer new frontiers beyond Earth's atmosphere.
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