The Soviet Union also launched an anti-SDI laser test satellite via the Energia heavy lifter, casually demonstrating the highest payload capacity since the Saturn V: <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Polyus_%28spacecraft%29" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Polyus_%28spacecraft%29</a><p>Thankfully, it failed to reach orbit due to a software bug.<p>(Said Energia rocket would then launch the Soviet space shuttle, Buran, on a completely unmanned mission, including autopiloted runway landing – something the US STS never could, because astronauts lobbied against any and every automation for fear of being made redundant.)