Development of the Energia Launch Vehicle and Buran orbiter

The Energia launch vehicle. The first stage consists of four side modules, the second stage is the central module. Engines of all modules fire at the moment of ignition. The payload is fastened to the side of the central module. For a payload, the Energia launch vehicle can have the Buran orbiter or the cargo transport container (6.7 meters in diameter where large – scale load and the booster unit are located).

Assembly of the Energia launch vehicle is performed in the assembly-test building of the cosmodrome. The picture shows the span of the building with the first stage modules and the assembled rocket "package".

The versatile stand-start complex for performing firing tests of the launch vehicle and for launching.

The Energia launch vehicle at the versatile stand-start complex.

Transportation of the Energia launch vehicle is accomplished with the use of a special transport – erecting assembly.

Transportation of the Energia launch vehicle (with the Polus spacecraft on the external suspension) to the versatile stand – start complex.

The Energia launch vehicle with the Polus spacecraft on the versatile stand-start complex being pre­pared for its first launch.

The first launch of the Energia launch vehicle took place at 21:30 Moscow time on May 15, 1987.

The Buran analog was equipped with four engines permitting its take-off from the aerodrome strip. This allowed it to be used for the testing and development of orbiter piloting operations to be used during landing following orbital flight.

Mating the Buran to the Energia launch vehicle.

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Installing the Energia – Buran system onto the transport-erecting assembly.

Transportation of the Energia – Buran system to the launching complex.

The Energia – Buran system erected on the launcher. The lifting device of the transport-erecting assembly is now vertical.

The Energia – Buran system on the launch pad.

The first launch of the Energia – Buran system took place at 6:00 Moscow time on November 15, 1988.

The Buran approach and landing on the cosmodrome’s airfield runway after two-orbit orbital flight.