In sum, the Soviets' design of Energiya as a modular ELV in keeping with their traditional on functionality, versatility, and simplicity. fact that they designed a rocket engine, with cryogenic liquid no less, for the Energiya of adapting a previous Soviet speaks to Glushko's political influence the time, as well as Soviet political system that could one individual so much power. Buran's configuration as a winged, spacecraft is largely attributable to factors: the long Soviet history spaceplane concepts and the Soviets' to match the U.S. Shuttle's by matching its design.

First, politics inevitably shapes and often the conduct of science and The U.S. Shuttle was built designed the way it was a variety of mostly domestic reasons. While the Buran was heavily affected by domestic politics, development is one more Cold story of the Soviets competing the United States. During the the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was exception that proves the rule superpower competition and the stories the two Shuttles conform closely this rule.