Today the Russian space program is as Byzantine and convoluted as it was at its inception. Literally dozens of Soviet agencies and bureaus have now been reborn as competitive corporations, vying for international dollars in a tough market. Almost all of the principal players have long since left this Earth. Glushko, Korolev, Chelomei and most of their contemporaries may be gone but their vision remains. American satellites are launched on advanced Atlas missiles powered by derivatives of Glushko’s engines and American astronauts fly to and from the ISS, the direct descendant of Almaz, aboard Korolev’s Soyuz. Meanwhile Chelomei’s Proton booster has been upgraded and since 1969 has replaced the Molniya as the primary launcher for planetary probes. The final history of humanity’s space faring will likely never be written, but there can be little doubt that all future efforts will always recognize the immense contribution of Russian spacecraft.
Next: Part 18
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