Buran: The Space Shuttle That Almost Was

The video discusses the Soviet Union's Boron space vehicle, designed in response to the US Space Shuttle. Despite its successful uncrewed test flight in 1988, the Boron was never used again due to political changes in the Soviet Union. The Boron was similar in design to the Space Shuttle but had a more advanced rocket system, using liquid fuel for better control. It was lighter, had a larger payload capacity, and could operate without a crew. The project was eventually canceled, and the only Boron to fly was destroyed in 2002. The video concludes with a call to support Scishow.

What was the primary reason the Soviet Union developed Boron?

• To improve satellite communication

• To explore Mars

• To advance scientific research

• To compete with the American Space Shuttle

Which of the following was a key difference in the propulsion systems of Boron and the Space Shuttle?

• Boron used liquid-fueled engines

• The Space Shuttle used liquid-fueled engines

• The Space Shuttle had no propulsion system

• Boron used solid rocket boosters

What was one advantage of Boron's design over the Space Shuttle?

• It could carry more passengers

• It was faster

• It had a larger payload capacity

• It was cheaper to build

Why was Boron never used again after its test flight?

• It failed to land successfully

• The Soviet Union collapsed

• It was too expensive to operate

• It was destroyed during the test flight

What happened to the only Boron that went to space?

• It was sold to another country

• It was used for further missions

• It was displayed in a museum

• It was destroyed in a hangar collapse