Buran-Energia

Here is a reporting (cut in 3 parts) about the test pilots of the Buran program, especially the pilots the OK-GLI test shuttle. This reporting was broadcasted on the « Culture » channel on russian television in 2002.

The shuttle OK-TVA was a thermal, mechanical and acoustic test model. Like all others tests shuttles it was a full scale model. In 1997, the shuttle was bring to the Gorky Park (at Moscow) to be modified in an entertainment. Unfortunatly, it hasn’t bring enough people as it was planned and the managers have to face financial difficulties.

During the month of august a part (left side) of the heat shield of the shuttle was removed, allowing us to see the fuselage in aluminium alloy. No explanations were given, but it seems that it was done for repairing the shield. Indeed, this « shield » is not the real, it’s made from wooden pieces which decay because the shuttle is not sheltered.

More pictures in the gallery.

The renovation of the EPOS plane finished on last August 20 in the Monino museum.

The museum’s employees had, for the occasion, organised a little expostion about the history of this plane and a photo session for children.

Another pictures.