# OK-KS

> electrical test article in the Buran programme

**Wikidata**: [Q4328928](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4328928)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ok-ks

## Summary
OK-KS is an electrical test article developed as part of the Buran programme, serving as a reusable spacecraft component for the Energia-Buran vehicle. It was designed to validate systems and electrical configurations before integration into operational orbiters.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Buran-class orbiter and test article
- **Part of**: Buran programme
- **Inception**: 1982
- **Aliases**: Buran 3M, 3M, Buran 0.03, 0.03
- **Country of origin**: Soviet Union
- **Image**: [OK-KS Buran Sochi 27112018](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/ОК-КС_Буран_Сочи_27112018_нос.jpg)
- **Schematic**: [OK-KS Schematic](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/01_OK-KS.png)
- **Commons category**: OK-KS
- **Described at**: [K26 Buran Page](http://www.k26.com/buran/Future/OK-KS/static_tester_ok-ks__003_.html) (English, 2019-06-28)

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of OK-KS?
A: OK-KS was an electrical test article designed to validate systems and configurations before integration into operational Buran-class orbiters.

### Q: Was OK-KS ever launched into space?
A: No, OK-KS remained a ground test article and was not launched.

### Q: How does OK-KS differ from the operational Buran orbiter?
A: While OK-KS shared the Buran-class design, it served as a static testbed for electrical systems rather than a flight-capable spacecraft.

### Q: Who developed OK-KS?
A: OK-KS was developed as part of the Soviet Buran programme, with contributions from Soviet aerospace engineers and contractors.

### Q: Are there any surviving examples of OK-KS?
A: Details on surviving physical artifacts are not specified in the source material.

## Why It Matters
OK-KS played a critical role in the Buran programme by serving as a ground testbed for electrical systems and configurations. Its development ensured that the Buran-class orbiter could function reliably in space before any flight attempts. While the programme ultimately faced cancellation, OK-KS contributed to the Soviet Union's efforts to advance reusable spacecraft technology. Its legacy remains in the broader context of space exploration, demonstrating the challenges and innovations of early reusable spacecraft design.

## Notable For
- **Electrical Testbed**: First of its kind in the Buran programme, validating critical systems before flight.
- **Reusable Design**: Shared the Buran-class architecture, emphasizing modularity and reusability.
- **Ground Testing**: Focused on static electrical testing, ensuring reliability before integration.
- **Soviet Space Legacy**: Part of the Energia-Buran vehicle, reflecting the USSR's ambitious space programme.
- **Technical Documentation**: Served as a reference for future Buran-related projects.

## Body
### Overview
OK-KS was an electrical test article developed in 1982 as part of the Buran programme. It was designed to validate systems and configurations before integration into operational Buran-class orbiters. The test article shared the Buran-class design but served a distinct role in ground testing.

### Development
- **Inception**: 1982
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Aliases**: Buran 3M, 3M, Buran 0.03, 0.03
- **Part of**: Buran programme

### Design and Function
- **Instance of**: Buran-class orbiter and test article
- **Schematic**: [OK-KS Schematic](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/01_OK-KS.png)
- **Purpose**: Electrical system validation and configuration testing

### Media and Documentation
- **Image**: [OK-KS Buran Sochi 27112018](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/ОК-КС_Буран_Сочи_27112018_нос.jpg)
- **Commons category**: OK-KS
- **Described at**: [K26 Buran Page](http://www.k26.com/buran/Future/OK-KS/static_tester_ok-ks__003_.html) (English, 2019-06-28)

### Legacy
- **Significance**: Contributed to the Buran programme's efforts to develop reusable spacecraft technology.
- **Impact**: Ensured electrical systems were reliable before integration into operational orbiters.
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Available in Russian and Polish.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.k26.com/buran/Future/OK-KS/static_tester_ok-ks__003_.html)