|
In 1974,
after failure of the N-1 Lunar rocket, the Soviet military preferred a
new family of modular following the loss of space race to America. In
1976, the Ministers of the USSR launched the program of the
reusable spacecraft system. The former OKB-1 bureau was restructured to NPO Energia enterprise that in charge of the program development. The
U.S. shuttle design was studied by Russian rocket scientists but they
had no experience in production of large solid rocket motors. The final
configuration was resulted in four liquid propellant boosters
surrounding the core stage. The launch booster rocket layout was
approved by military and was designated 11K25. The first flight schedule
was planned in 1983 but development problems led to serious delay. In
1986, with the first launch schedule was confirmed, the 11K25 launch
booster was named Engeria. In 1987,
The Energia first launched from site-250 carrying a Polyus military
payload. The rocket performed flawlessly. In 1988, the Energia carried
Buran orbiter and completed first and only flight of the Energia-Buran
program. The Engeria production was ended with the fall of Soviet Union
and Buran cancellation.
|
