h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I apploud the appearance of the article in general, assuming that the goal is a general public awareness of the Buran program, however the article is riddled with inaccuracies and sometimes pure non-sense. In fact, I find it quite amazing that it was published on BBC, which is generally regarded as a reputable source of information.

"Soviets placed the liquid fuel engines on the base of the centre fuel tank, rather than on the back of the shuttle... ...The launch system, comprising the fuel tank and external solid fuel boosters, is known as Energiya... The Soviets designed it to have its own guidance system, so that it can launch without the shuttle, although why anyone would want to is difficult to imagine."

- I don't understand how such statements could pass any editor with a college education. The author is obviously clueless. Energiya was a multi-purpose rocket [with all corresponding attributes like fuel tanks, engines, and guidance system]. One of the possible payloads was Buran.

I would definitely encourange an interested reader to refer to more accurate sources of info on the subject. Wikipedia has a great article, IMHO much more professionally written as well:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buran_program

another source:

http://www.russianspaceweb.com/buran.html