In reaction to US X-30 project, government decrees of 27 January and 19 July 1986 ordered development of a Soviet equivalent. The Ministry of Defense issued technical specifications on 1 September for an MVKS, a single-stage reusable aerospaceplane system. It is known that the Tupolev, Yakovlev, and Energia design bureaus submitted designs. No details of the Yakovlev design have become available to date.

The MKVS was to provide effective and economic delivery to near-earth orbit; develop the technology for effective transatmospheric flight; provide super high-speed intercontinental transport, and fulfill military objectives in and from space.

Typical orbit: 200 km, 51 degrees inclination. Associated Launch Vehicle: Yakovlev MVKS.

• 1986 January 27 - Government decree orders design of a Soviet aerospaceplane - Launch Vehicle: Tu-2000, VKS, Yakovlev MVKS.

  In reaction to US X-30 project government decree ordered development of a Soviet equivalent.

• 1986 July 19 - Government decree orders development of a Soviet aerospaceplane - Launch Vehicle: Tu-2000, VKS, Yakovlev MVKS.

  The decree of 27 January 1986 was reaffirmed.

• 1986 September 1 - MVKS specification issued - Launch Vehicle: Tu-2000, VKS, Yakovlev MVKS.

  The Ministry of Defence issued technical specifications on 1 September for an MVKS, a single-stage reusable aerospaceplane system. The MKVS was to provide effective and economic delivery to near-earth orbit; develop the technology for effective transatmospheric flight; provide super high-speed intercontinental transport, and fulfil military objectives in and from space.