bryan@SDCSVAX.ARPA (09/05/85)
From: crash!bryan@sdcsvax.arpa #: 54883 S2/Non-NASA Programs 28-Aug-85 00:35:37 Sb: #54874-Soviet Space Program Fm: David Anderman 74216,705 To: Scott Jann 74256,1123 There are 3 reputed Soviet Space Shuttles. One is a scale model, launched on a "C" class vehicle, about a ton or two in weight. This vehicle compares with our Asset program of the middle 1960's, and is intended to study high velocity flight in the upper atmosphere. The second (whose existence is postulated by the DoD) is a Dynasoar class vehicle, as you suggest, able to carry 2 - 4 cosmonauts and consumables to Salyut. However, the Soyuz booster can only carry 14,000 lbs to earth orbit, and this vehicle will be much heavier than that. (The Dynasoar was originally to be launched by the Titan II, but due to the realities of its final intended weight the Titan IIIC was developed to carry it, and in the final stages of the Dynasoar program, the Saturn IB was being considered as a launch vehicle). In fact, the DoD, and other authorities see the mini-shuttle being launched by the Proton -or similar sized- rocket. Finally, the heavy shuttle will be launched by the a version of their super booster, and as you suggest, will have no main engines on board. Unfortunately for the Dod, and others who postulate the existence of spectacular developments from the Soviets in the near term, none of these shuttles will be in actual use (as can be presently determined) in this century, due to the lack of the (in the case of the Proton - launched shuttle) a reason for existence, and (in the case of the heavy shuttle) a liquid hydrogen booster to enable it to carry payloads to orbit. So that's the story on the present Soviet efforts on their shuttles. If you've heard anything more, I'd be glad to hear about it.