Failed launch of Russian RS‑28 "Satan" missile sparks concerns
According to the Defence Romania portal, citing publications in Russian media, the Russian Federation conducted a test launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile RS-28 "Satan" around 21 September 2024. However, the exercises did not go as planned for the Russians, as the missile exploded while still in its launch silo, causing significant damage.
The RS-28 "Satan" intercontinental missile is a weapon recently touted by the Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Vyacheslav Volodin, who noted that the missile "needs 3 minutes and 20 seconds" to reach Strasbourg, France. The Russian politician's response followed a discussion among Western allies about permitting Ukrainians to conduct long-range strikes deep into the Russian Federation.
Russians' "scare tactic"
The missile, intended to be a "scare tactic," is proving problematic – its launch has failed once again. The first malfunction – as reported by Defence Romania – was recorded in February 2023. Now, at the Plesetsk testing range (in the Arkhangelsk region), there was another incident involving "Satan". According to reports, the missile exploded directly in the silo, destroying the entire testing range.
The effects of the missile explosion can be seen in satellite images provided by Maxar. As a result of the RS-28 explosion in the silo, an over 60-metre-wide crater visible from space was created. The pictures also show damage to a nearby building, although it is unclear whether any personnel responsible for flight control were inside during the launch attempt.
RS-28 "Satan" missile
The RS-28 "Satan," whose test launch ended in failure, is a three-stage liquid-fuel missile measuring 35 metres in length and weighing 208 tonnes. It can carry 10 heavy or 15 lighter nuclear warheads over 18,000 kilometres. The missile reaches speeds of 25,000 kph, meaning it can cover up to 7 kilometres in a second. After launch, it can remain airborne for several hours and perform manoeuvres, significantly complicating its interception by anti-missile defence systems.
The RS-28 is characterised by its immense power, capable of levelling areas the size of all of France or the state of Texas in the USA. Russia remains the only country possessing this weapon.
