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buran space shuttle model
During her maiden flight on November 15 1988, Buran (snowstorm) completed two Earth orbits and landed 3 hours and 25 minutes later. Just prior to launch, technical problems with Buran's life support system forced a change to an unmanned mission. Then, at landing, weather conditions changed abruptly. (Amazingly, the auto-pilot landing system was able to overcome a 30 mph crosswind.) During the 90's, while the U.S. has used Columbia and Discovery shuttles to launch its commercial satellites, Russia has emphasized its more economical Proton and Zenit rockets. While Russia's financial difficulties have essentially grounded Buran during the 90's, it is once again being considered as a shuttle vehicle for International Space Station Alpha, now under construction. Both a triumph and a tragedy for the Soviet space program, Buran remains one of the most historically significant pieces of the Cold War Space Race. We have a few Fiberglass 1:140 scale models of Buran and the powerful Energia booster rocket, still in use today. Each model is made entirely by hand, with remarkable precision, by skilled craftsmen in Russia. 500+ man-hours to craft each, ensuring scale and historical accuracy. On wooden display platform with Lucite hood. A rare and wonderful display piece for your home or office. 22"x11"x11". 11 lbs.
This item requires an additional $12 for standard shipping within the Continental U.S.
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