Shuttle

Buran

Mass Breakdown (kg):

Total Structure / Landing Systems

46 600

42 000

Functional Systems and Propulsion

37 200

33 000

SSME

14 200

Maximum Payload

25 000

30 000

Total

123 000

105 000

Dimensions (m):

Length

37.25

36.37

Wingspan

23.80

23.92

Height on Gear

17.25

16.35

Payload bay length

18.29

18.55

Payload bay diameter

4.57

4.65

Wing glove sweep

81 deg

78 deg

Wing sweep

45 deg

45 deg

Propulsion:

Total orbital maneuvering engine thrust

5 440 kgf

17 600 kgf

Orbital Maneuvering Engine Specific Impuse

313 sec

362 sec

Total Maneuvering Impulse

5 kgf-sec

5 kgf-sec

Total Reaction Control System Thrust

15 078 kgf

14 866 kgf

Average RCS Specific Impulse

289 sec

275-295 sec

Normal Maximum Propellant Load

14 100 kg

14 500 kg

Schedule:

Go-ahead

Jul 26 1972 

Feb 12 1976 

Years after go-ahead:

Delivery to launch complex

6.6

9.3

Flight Readiness Firing

8.5

10.3

First launch vehicle flight

8.7

11.2

First orbiter flight

8.7

12.7