Buran (spacecraft)

Buran was a Soviet spacecraft that aimed to showcase Russia’s capabilities in space exploration, similar to the U.S. Space Shuttle. Launched in 1988, it successfully orbited Earth and landed back safely, demonstrating advanced technology. Unlike the Space Shuttle, Buran was unmanned during its first and only flight and used an automatic landing system. The program was short-lived due to economic changes in Russia, leading to its cancellation. Buran symbolizes a significant achievement in the Cold War-era space race, highlighting both innovation and the competitive nature of space exploration between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.