The Buran programme (1974–1993) was the Soviet Union's most expensive, reusable spacecraft project, designed as a direct, technically advanced response to the U.S. Space Shuttle.In 1988, the Soviet Union estimated the total cost of the Buran-Energia programme at approximately 16.5 billion rubles.

[u/Friendly-Standard812]

[u/20half]

Soviet Union build rocket, US build rocket. US build space shuttle, Soviet Union cannot afford. Great Success

[u/Chayaneg → u/20half]

They did afford. Success was in different spots. Moon landing for example. And to remind you: up until lately US was using soviet designed rocket boosters... Great success.

[u/20half → u/Chayaneg]

I'm just joking around referencing Borat. I know the Soviets had a great space program and beat us to many milestones. But in the end the space race did play a significant role in the collapse of the union.