Russian Missile Fails Test, Indicate Researchers and Imagery – Reuters

LONDON (Reuters) – According to arms experts and satellite imagery from the launch site, a Russian RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile is believed to have failed during a test earlier this month.

Satellite images captured on September 21 reveal a crater approximately 60 meters (200 feet) wide at the launch silo located at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia, along with damage in the surrounding area that was not present in earlier imagery from the month.

It remains uncertain whether the liquid-fueled Sarmat experienced a failure during the launch itself or if there was an accident during the defueling process. Analyst Pavel Podvig, based in Geneva and who oversees the Russian Nuclear Forces project, indicated, "By all indications, it was a failed test. It’s a big hole in the ground." He added, "There was a serious incident with the missile and the silo."

The Russian defense ministry has not responded to requests for comments and has not announced any upcoming Sarmat tests in recent days.

The RS-28 Sarmat, commonly referred to as Satan II, measures 35 meters in length, has a range of 18,000 kilometers (11,000 miles), and weighs over 208 tonnes. It is capable of carrying up to 16 multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle nuclear warheads, along with some Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles, as reported by Russian media.