First the Raptor, now the shuttle?

[gladiator]

Here's what Kliper looks like:

[Ivan]

Tell the guys at the Orbiter forum that the photo is from a recent (february 2004) newspaper. Wikipedia says that there were 2 Burans in the hangar: one mockup, and the one that actually went to space.

And your thoughts about this contraption

Energia-2 proposal. Fully reusable...

And about the weird aircraft... it's a MiG Lifting body prototype from the 'Spiral' project.

[gladiator]

But weren't both of those destroyed?

[RichieB16]

For some reason, I just don't see Buran (or any of her sister ships) ever flying into space again.  It seems to me that since it has been sitting (presuming not destroyed) for the last 15 years it needs some serious repairs.  Also, it had several problems that needed to be repaired before it could be flown again-they had design flaws with the tiles and it had suffered pretty serious heat problems.

As far as a the rumor about Buran replacing the shuttle is a little interesting to me.  Although the two do look the same there are many key differences in the two (for example the Russian shuttle doesn't have the 3 main engines like the space shuttle).  I'd bet that these differences would make it unfavoriable to NASA.

It's also important to know that Buran is not the property of Russia.  It is actually owned by Kazakhstan.  Therefore, I'm sure there would some kind of political issues which would have to be delt with as well.

[gladiator]

And even if they are trying to bring back Buran, I don't think it is possible. The Russians couldn't afford it back in the 80's and I really don't think they can afford it now.

[Ivan]

But weren't both of those destroyed?

This site tries to give a clue about where these things have gone...

They all have small color differences.
Only problem is: the colors of the one on the newspaper photo don't match with ANY of the photos on that site.

1.01: Doesn't have the CCCP markings on the sides. Only one that went to space and back. Destroyed in hangar collapse.
1.02: Has a different hatch, and some major tile pattern differences. CCCP marking missing, but could have been painted over. More than 90% complete at program termination, currently stored outside
Both were used as payment for use of the Baikonur launch facility (which could be the reason they removed the CCCP markings)

2.01: Stripped of tiles... no CCCP markings visible on available photos. Dumped at Tushino
2.02: Stripped of tiles. Completion at program termination makes this one very unlikely. Dumped at Tushino
2.03: Completely disassembled

OK-GLI: Black window stripe and aircraft engines in the tail. Doesn't match the photo.
OK-TVA: Became a tourist attraction
OK-M: Prototype, parked @ Baikonur
OK-MT: Almost completely white. Parked Baikonur
OK-KS: Closest, but no 100% match... The recent photo is missing the black line above the escape hatch
OK-KVI: no photo

[Iroquois]

Relax guys. According to NASA's website, they are currently doing some work on the three shuttles. Discovery is undergoing routine maintenance with a few upgrades. Atlantis is having an engine checkup, and Endevour is getting some new electronics to upgrade it's glass cockpit. Why would they be making such expensive upgrades to Endevour if they were just going to cancel the program. You can see the official news here.
http://www.nasa.gov/news/highlights/returntoflight.html

Rumor also has it that there is interest in a new heat shield being developed by some Canadian inventor. The new system appears to be easy to apply and is very effective. Still a long way off before that's perfected. Saw the guy giving a demonstration on the Discovery Channel not that long ago.

[RichieB16]

You know, I wouldn't be a bit suprised if in a few years (once the shuttle is back flying and things have returned to normal) if we see NASA decided to keep the shuttle for a while and even build a new one.

I know there has been a lot of talk about retiring it in 2010, but it wouldn't suprise me to see a new shuttle to complete the fleet-and to see them flying until 2020.  

[gladiator]

RichieB16:

You seem to be interested in spaceflight.

I am not sure if you have it or even heard of it, but I deffinatly reccommend you do a google search for Orbiter Spaceflight Simulator. This is a free space sim that is simply amazing! If you already ahve it, then you know what I am talking about, but to anyone who is interested in spaceflight and doesnt have it yet I deffinatly reccomend downloading it.  ;D