A Russian RS-28 “Sarmat” intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) reportedly exploded during a test at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region, according to the OSINT project MeNMyRC.
The group released satellite images showing a large crater at the test site, providing visual evidence of the failed launch.
MeNMyRC based its conclusions on satellite imagery and flight data from U.S. reconnaissance aircraft.
“The enormous crater indicates that the missile detonated in the silo, destroying the test range,” an expert stated.
Additional satellite data from NOAA-20 and SUOMI NPP also confirmed a fire in the area. NOAA-20 and the SUOMI NPP satellites have detected two instances of the fire as they crossed the area in their orbits. However, there’s no way to determine from this data alone if the fire is incidental to the launch or caused by a failed launch near the pad.
My thanks to @MT_Anderson for providing this Planet Labs imagery and allowing me to publish it with comments.
As is readily apparent, the RS-28 Sarmat test was a complete failure. The missile detonated in the silo leaving a massive crater and destroying the test site. The… https://t.co/FuKIaTNFVs pic.twitter.com/AuIpQRrDLa
— MeNMyRC (@MeNMyRC1) September 21, 2024
The RS-28 “Sarmat,” known as the “Satan II” in the West, is designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads over long distances. The missile reportedly exploded in its launch silo, damaging the site and infrastructure. While the missile was not equipped with a warhead due to the test nature of the launch, the crater size suggests a catastrophic failure.
The only successful launch of new Russian missile occurred on April 20, 2022.
According to a report from CNBC, the longest test flight of the “Sarmat” lasted just over two minutes, covering a distance of 35 kilometers before it lost control and crashed.
In 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the missile to be placed on combat duty, a directive that was reportedly fulfilled in September 2023. The Sarmat is a key element of Russia’s strategic nuclear program, and the destruction of the test site could have broader implications for its development.
It remains unclear whether the recent incident was a failed launch attempt or part of a fueling exercise. A more detailed analysis of the readiness of ground services, particularly at the Kura test range, could provide additional insights. However, access to higher-resolution satellite imagery of these areas is currently unavailable.