In sum, the Soviets' design of the as a modular ELV was in with their traditional emphasis on functionality, and simplicity. The fact that they a new rocket engine, with cryogenic fuel no less, for the Energiya of adapting a previous Soviet rocket to Glushko's political influence at the as well as a Soviet political that could give one individual so power. The Buran's configuration as a reusable spacecraft is largely attributable to factors: the long Soviet history of concepts and the Soviets' desire to the U.S. Shuttle's capabilities by matching design.

First, politics inevitably shapes and often dominates conduct of science and technology. The Shuttle was built and designed the it was for a variety of domestic political reasons. While the Buran also heavily affected by domestic politics, development is one more Cold War of the Soviets competing with the States. During the 1970s, the Apollo-Soyuz Project was the exception that proves rule of superpower competition and the of the two Shuttles conform closely this rule.