 OBBI 091230Z 31018KT CAVOK 39/19 Q0995 NOSIG We’ve all heard the tragedies of Soviet Romance, be it in novels or in real life. Caution to the beauty that intoxicates men with the trap of a Siberian heart. And yet we find it all so common with the Russian Matryoshkas and their victims. In comes this tale of Soviet Romance with all its glory, set in a Bahraini backdrop, an exaggerated epic, with stubborn love, torment, burning jealousy, and a Russian Blizzard.  The following story is based on true events, due to the sensitivity of the matter, and at the request of the people involved, it is written in an exaggerated manner. With some determination, details to reference this story can be readily found online. This is the story of “Buran”, the Soviet Space Shuttle that honored us on our beloved island in 2002. A lady that called on the world to release her bounds from her mischievous keeper, and dragged one of our own through a turbulent romance.
OPENING SCENE |
| Bahrain in 2002, witnessed a massive social and political renaissance, with gainful reforms and a promising bright future. Enthusiasm charged the air, the country was roaring with development, and just radiating with excitement. KJ saw it to be a worthy reason to celebrate. Befitting these achievements, by early Spring KJ brings forward a festival to celebrate this time of change. A festival to celebrate Bahrain with its history, and present the public with a vision of what's to come. A grand gesture of pride to where we are as a culture, and a show our confidence to the world in what we aim to attain. Proposed for the early months of summer, our hero was on a mission of pride and passion. |  |
Whispers of a Russian lady reach our hero. She comes from a bold history of greatness and holds deep intrigue. She was first pointed out by the country's “highest of respects”, as she would be a definite hit with visitors and honor the country with her presence.
Mentioned and requested by name, The lady was none other than 18-year-old OK-GLI Buran. A global celebrity to those in the know, touring the world with grand shows as a torchbearer to the golden years of the Soviet Space Program.
Mentioned and requested by name, The lady was none other than 18-year-old OK-GLI Buran. A global celebrity to those in the know, touring the world with grand shows as a torchbearer to the golden years of the Soviet Space Program.
BACKTRACK
“THE EIGHT RED SISTERS”...
 | Built-in 1984 as a test vehicle to the Soviet space program, Buran OK-GLI was the first of 8 Buran sisters, she was used for atmospheric, ground, and aerodynamic testing. OK-GLI completed 25 air tests and sadly never made it to space. She was the first of her kind to be self-propelled, with 4 jet engines fitted to her [ Empennage - ذيل الطائرة ]. An additional 3 shuttles were planned to the initial 8 but were never completed due to political and financial disruptions. The Soviet Shuttle was aimed to compete directly with its American counterpart. The Shuttle boasted unmanned capabilities including auto atmospheric reentry. Criticized for design similarities, the systems and technology involved were immensely superior to American Space Shuttles, including later American builds. |
Mounted on the back of Heavy-Lift Energia Rocket, the Buran sisters theoretically could carry more, do more, stay longer, for cheaper, and turn around to do it again quicker.
Sadly only one of the sisters made it to space in 1988, and after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1993, the program was suspended. The space fairing OK-1K1 was then housed in a hanger outside Baikonur Cosmodrome. Until in 2002 during a snowstorm, the roof of the facility collapses due to poor maintenance, destroying her and tragically killing 8 workers. A Buran lost to the Blizzard, so ironically Soviet!
Sadly only one of the sisters made it to space in 1988, and after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1993, the program was suspended. The space fairing OK-1K1 was then housed in a hanger outside Baikonur Cosmodrome. Until in 2002 during a snowstorm, the roof of the facility collapses due to poor maintenance, destroying her and tragically killing 8 workers. A Buran lost to the Blizzard, so ironically Soviet!
The Story Continues
“She Will Feed You”...
Spring of 2002, our hero KJ proposes a Grand festival to celebrate Bahrain and its anticipated development. Supported and endorsed, he had 3 months to organize the grandest of summer festivals the island has seen. In comes, OK-GLI Buran, whispers of her name filled the air, and intrigue ensues.
As the Buran’s Soviet house was ruined, most of its valuable items were sold off to private collectors and museums around the world. Some shuttle sisters along with their Energia Rocket were sold off to different interest in Europe, where they were lavished with honor and respect. In fact, the late space fairing OK-1K1 was presented as such in a French air show early 2002 before her demise.
As the Buran’s Soviet house was ruined, most of its valuable items were sold off to private collectors and museums around the world. Some shuttle sisters along with their Energia Rocket were sold off to different interest in Europe, where they were lavished with honor and respect. In fact, the late space fairing OK-1K1 was presented as such in a French air show early 2002 before her demise.
| At this time our Lady Buran OK-GLI was in the hands of a Singapore handler named “Mr. Kay”. A shady character at best, he toured the world with “his” Russian Lady, branding himself as a space exhibitor. An aimless dreamer of sorts, living life's luck. Fortune seemed to always elude Mr. Kay, despite his chance invitations to the biggest of shows. True to his character, Kay usually corners himself and his beloved Buran in legal and financial ruts. Narrowly escaping through prospects of another scheme. Starting off with an exhibition in Singapore he managed to get a great stage to promote his asset. |  |
He seemed to be in a wanted position, with a well-known lady of space that has been touring since 97, this is an opportunity that cannot fail! Fate led Mr. Kay to Australia's own spaceman "Paul Scully-Power" to have Buran as an attraction during the 2000 Olympics. The scheme failed miserably, with financial cost mounting and no end in sight, Buran was left standing in a parking lot, and put for sale at a $6 million. Kay was captive in Sydney, marred with a substantial debt, entrapping our beloved Buran with him.
A chance from lady luck came as our hero KJ reaches out to include Buran to his grand festival. With a lucrative land in sight and an affluent crowd, Kay was quick to accept, doubting any failure in this endeavor. Packed and shipped, Kay arrives with bells and whistles to join the show. Buran dressed in her best, pulls in the crowds as they gasp at her magnificence.
KJ has a whopper of a show, and after an intense 2 months of activities, the festival comes to a close. KJ is at the end of a very successful venture, his wager to create a massive festival pays off with a wealth of success. The public praised the event, and the Buran was a Red Star above all. Gripping youthful cosmic fascination, and with Soviet elegance Bahrain was taken by her history and grandeur.
A chance from lady luck came as our hero KJ reaches out to include Buran to his grand festival. With a lucrative land in sight and an affluent crowd, Kay was quick to accept, doubting any failure in this endeavor. Packed and shipped, Kay arrives with bells and whistles to join the show. Buran dressed in her best, pulls in the crowds as they gasp at her magnificence.
KJ has a whopper of a show, and after an intense 2 months of activities, the festival comes to a close. KJ is at the end of a very successful venture, his wager to create a massive festival pays off with a wealth of success. The public praised the event, and the Buran was a Red Star above all. Gripping youthful cosmic fascination, and with Soviet elegance Bahrain was taken by her history and grandeur.
The Conflict
“Comrade with Sickle & Hammer”…
Straight out of a Russian spy novel, two men barge into KJ’s office. Standing at the door, one was slim, with an aged scar running down his face, the other burly with outdated slicked hair. Without a word between them, they stare our hero down, locking him to his seat. Trouble was defiantly at the door when with a serving gesture, big burly slick clears the door for his master. Well presented, thick with his accent, a gentle of a man, presenting himself as the true keeper of the beloved Buran.
We come to claim our own, she was taken from us and we demand her return. |
 |  |  |
Unsettled to the manner and request, KJ was pressing to question the legitimacy of this intrusion. The man claimed to be a lawyer representing the interests of Buran’s true owners “NPO Molniya”. Presenting KJ with a stack of documents supporting his claim, the lawyer stated that Buran was taken by her handler Mr. Kay to be part of a show, and was never heard from again.
He continues to explain that they have been in a long-standing conflict with Mr. Kay and pursue reuniting Buran with her rightful owner. He then calmly demands her release, and warned of troubling action if ignored. Brief and to the point, the lawyer presents his case, and all three men leave with no pause.
Quick to the phone KJ frantically rings Kay, desperately trying to reach him, but the man was gone with no contact and was nowhere to be found. Confident that he is with no fault, KJ informs the local authorities and holds any unauthorized movement of the Shuttle. As days pass, trouble continues with towering heights.
He continues to explain that they have been in a long-standing conflict with Mr. Kay and pursue reuniting Buran with her rightful owner. He then calmly demands her release, and warned of troubling action if ignored. Brief and to the point, the lawyer presents his case, and all three men leave with no pause.
Quick to the phone KJ frantically rings Kay, desperately trying to reach him, but the man was gone with no contact and was nowhere to be found. Confident that he is with no fault, KJ informs the local authorities and holds any unauthorized movement of the Shuttle. As days pass, trouble continues with towering heights.
The Situation
“She is Difficult to Get Rid Off”…
Left with no explanation or response, KJ is forced to move Buran to a temporary shelter. Through some local contacts and people he knew, he manages to secure her a spot. A short ride around the Island and Buran is settled into her New “Home”. An obscure refuge overlooking the water, as she required direct sea access to be moved. A rough space by the docks, with only stray dogs to keep her company, she waits for her fate to realize.
 Mina Salman, Bahrain LAT: 26°11'53.96"N | LON: 50°36'10.47"E | 2005 |
After a brief desertion and with an arrogant assumption of payment, Kay finally calls back. Turns out Kay was out celebrating "Global Style"... With pockets full, he set off on a hedonistic adventure to fill every void he had in him. Short lived was the fantasy, as the realization of reality was met with rage. Quick was the change in tone when told about the Russians asking for their Lady back.
 | “All trumped up claims, Buran is mine!” |
Faced with a mountain of proof Kay maintains his stance, forcing KJ to take legal action. Costs are mounting, trouble is brewing and now our hero is faced with a three-sided court battle. With excessive court hearings and distant accusing parties, the case lingers as the seasons pass.
Ignored but not forgotten, KJ held hope for a way out. With the help of a Local lawyer, he pursues Kay in a frivolous game of legal tag; while simultaneously fending off attacks from the Russians. The Russians suing Kay, Kay suing back, KJ faces battles within battles, and to top it off, turns out the Russians have promised the Buran to a German interest, further complicating the matter.
As Buran bares her stale stance in an obscure corner of the islands, our hero carries the weight of her captives. “Maintaining the Soviet Theme”, Six summers pass, as the two struggle with patience.
Ignored but not forgotten, KJ held hope for a way out. With the help of a Local lawyer, he pursues Kay in a frivolous game of legal tag; while simultaneously fending off attacks from the Russians. The Russians suing Kay, Kay suing back, KJ faces battles within battles, and to top it off, turns out the Russians have promised the Buran to a German interest, further complicating the matter.
As Buran bares her stale stance in an obscure corner of the islands, our hero carries the weight of her captives. “Maintaining the Soviet Theme”, Six summers pass, as the two struggle with patience.
The Turn
“She won’t be Hidden”…
While in the area for a media shoot, a German TV producer hears rumors of a stranded Russian Lady. Mr. Chris G. Maier, a young and ambitious was consumed with what he's been told. A chance encounter, with the higher-ups of the island, presented a fascinating story. A Blizzard in the Desert? A Space Shuttle Stranded in Arabia? He digs into it a bit further and finds himself on the trail of this magnificent lady.
Being that Bahrain is such a small Island, it didn't take long for Mr. Maier to spot her wings. Left out bare and with no shelter or fence, she stood loud between the noise. He gets directions and heads over with his colleague a Mr. Kai Niedermeier to find themselves at a dilapidated makeshift shipyard / warehouse / storage area.
The two arrive to No security cameras and barely a mesh fence. If it wasn't for some discarded barrels and littered scrapped metal, Maier nearly would have drove straight up to her. They walked around absorbing the humid summer heat, finally to be spotted by a vigilant Pakistani guard sheltering in his air conditioned room.
When asked about the Buran, the Guard seemed lost to the torrent of words thrown at him, and as if grasping for a life vessel he responds, YES YES YES WINGS WINGS AIRPLANE! Relieved that a smile of recognition dawned on Guard's face, Maier asked to see it.
Being that Bahrain is such a small Island, it didn't take long for Mr. Maier to spot her wings. Left out bare and with no shelter or fence, she stood loud between the noise. He gets directions and heads over with his colleague a Mr. Kai Niedermeier to find themselves at a dilapidated makeshift shipyard / warehouse / storage area.
The two arrive to No security cameras and barely a mesh fence. If it wasn't for some discarded barrels and littered scrapped metal, Maier nearly would have drove straight up to her. They walked around absorbing the humid summer heat, finally to be spotted by a vigilant Pakistani guard sheltering in his air conditioned room.
When asked about the Buran, the Guard seemed lost to the torrent of words thrown at him, and as if grasping for a life vessel he responds, YES YES YES WINGS WINGS AIRPLANE! Relieved that a smile of recognition dawned on Guard's face, Maier asked to see it.
Not Allowing, Boss Make Very Angry! The guard explained that his Boss is out of town for the summer and that there isn't anyway of contact him until he returns. Jealous of the pits stray dogs left shading under the Buran's wings, Maier uses his "journalistic $kills" to convince the guard to let him in. What a shame it would have been, to come so close for nothing. |  |
Maier gets his way, and they walk camera ready towards the ship. Run down and in disrepair, a shadow of what used to be the pride of the Soviet House. Dust tanned her skin, her wings set apart, with hoses and ducts reaching to each other. She looked distressed, barely holding up her shell, naked at the shoulders. After a handful of pictures and a quick look around the shuttle the Guard rushes them out of the yard.
Amazed to what he just experienced, Maier's story almost wrote itself. A quick flight back to Germany and Maier was Off to the Press! The media rush to the story and interest in Germany grew with attention to the plight of the Stranded Buran in Arabia.
Amazed to what he just experienced, Maier's story almost wrote itself. A quick flight back to Germany and Maier was Off to the Press! The media rush to the story and interest in Germany grew with attention to the plight of the Stranded Buran in Arabia.
 | Through some basic investigations, Mr. Maier also finds the German group who were promised the Buran by the Russians and involves them in the story. Technik Museum Speyer located just south of Frankfurt had bid to house the Buran in its new facility as a centerpiece, but with an indefinite court case and no end in sight, the museum all but lost hope in attaining the Russian Lady. Too many people are asking too many questions. Uncomfortable, the Russians push to conclude the case. |
In March 2008, The courts finally come to a decision. Siding with KJ and Russians, forcing a substantial loss on our Singaporean friend Mr. Kay, one to his pocket, the other of his dear Buran.
| Cautious and understandably distrusting, KJ corners Mr. Kay to pay him back his expenses before releasing the Buran. In a publicly open setting Mr. Kay meets our hero KJ in a cafe next to the courthouse and hands him a briefcase of cash. As the money gets awkwardly counted to a curious audience, our hero and Mr. Kay have a moment to reminisce on this epic ordeal they just went through, a moment of honesty between rivals to end the tale. Once settled and legally cleared, The Russians, with a cold disconnect, ask for the Buran to be ready for immediate shipping. KJ finally unburdened from the Soviet lady, secures his assets and clears the Red Mistress away. From the time of signing, it took the Russians less than 10 hours to have her on a ship headed to her new home in Germany. |  |
Her Spring arrival to Europe gathers the loving crowds. People lined the streets and riverbanks as she is floated towards her new home. Hails poured from the crowd, as the Soviet lady is finally where she belongs.
Washed and freshly painted, maintained to showroom condition, she is presented to the public and celebrated. By Autumn's end, she was on grand display as the main attraction in the long promised Technik Museum Speyer. To inspire generations ahead and to be a memory to the sacrifices of the past.
Washed and freshly painted, maintained to showroom condition, she is presented to the public and celebrated. By Autumn's end, she was on grand display as the main attraction in the long promised Technik Museum Speyer. To inspire generations ahead and to be a memory to the sacrifices of the past.
Leaving Bahrain
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Arriving in Rotterdam
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Transport Down the Rhine
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At the Technik Museum Speyer
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1 Comment
aj
3/8/2022 22:26:53
how come there are no pictures of OK-GLI at the bahrain festival in 2002. cant find anything.
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