Buran-Energia

This museum is located in the area n°2 of the Baikonur cosmodrome. It’s one of the oldest area (the area 1 is the Gagarin’s launch pad) near the former assembly factories of the Vostok and Soyuz rockets.

The museum has a lot of impressive pieces. Numerous rocket engines, Soyuz capsule, the first computers of Baikonur and the Buran test model OK-M.

The visit begins by the ground floor, once going through the entry hall, and near the cafeteria and the small souvenir shop we arrive in a big room divided in small areas by panels.

At the rear of the room is a big model of the cosmodrome with a sputnik over it.

This engine is surrounded by orientation thrusters. DZZ system (infrared orientation system).

Some models.
First picture: The four main Soviet/Russian launchers, the Soyuz, the Proton, Energia and the lunar rocket the N1.
Second picture: A proton rocket.
Third picture: An antenna with a radio receiver.
Fourth picture: A missile silo.
Fifth picture: Reward model.

A lot of Soyuz’s rocket thruster, and a model of the RD-107 engine (engine of the lateral boosters).

Globe, the Baikonur’s cosmodrome is located at the wrong place (300 km norther). This decision to name the cosmodrome with the same name of another town was to misinform the American spy services.

Tracking antenna.

The rest of the visit take place upstairs.

A room is dedicated to the two main personalities of the Soviet space program: Sergei Korolev and Valentin Glushko.

Model of the Gagarin’s launch pad made in 1957.

In another room are exhibited more larger pieces. The first computers and consoles of the cosmodrome, a Soyuz capsule, spacesuits, …

The first Baikonur’s computer.

Some control consoles.
Second picture: Rocket start console (the ignition key is positioned in the middle).
Third picture: Docking Soyuz/Progress simulator.

First picture: Gyroscope ChZOO.
Second picture: Suborbital capsule for animals.
Third picture: Binnacle for Laika dog.
Fourth picture: Ejection seat of the Vostok spacecraft.

Re-entry Soyuz capsule.

Finally, the last room is dedicated to other country’s rewards.

Outside is the Buran OK-M test shuttle, an RD-0120 engine and antennas.

Engine RD-0120. This engine was used for the second stage of the Energia launcher. It delivers a thrust of 190 tf in vacuum.

Tracking antennas.

The payload bay of Buran was layed out in an exhibition room.

Satellite model.

Part of the Buran’s VSU (Auxiliary power unit).

Kurs antenna for the docking of the shuttle to the MIR space station.

Show window with many pieces. Documents and photographies of the Baikonur construction, Buran’s heat shield tiles, a piece of the thermal protection of the payload bay and different kind of documents.

Graphic of preparation for the flight of Energia-Buran.

Heat protection of the breaking parachute housing.

Orientation thruster.

Airlock door.

Lower deck reorganised as a showing room.

Porthole.

Upper deck. This shuttle was a test model, the cockpit wasn’t working, the dashboard here is fictive and is not the one of Buran.