The missile that was used to launch a German Earth observation satellite TerraSAR-X from Baykonur is a R-36MUTTH (SS-18, RS-20B) missile, which had been on active duty for 23 years. According to the Strategic Rocket Forces, the missile was removed from service in 2005 and, after a brief time in storage, was transferred to the Dnepr space launch program in 2006.
The launch took place at 06:14 MSK (02:14 UTC). The satellite was successfully delivered into orbit. It was reported that the missile used a new payload shroud that allows it to accommodate larger satellites - more than 5 meters long.
Technically, the launches of R-36MUTTH missiles are conducted as part of the effort to liquidate these missiles, which is part of strategic arms reductions. R-36M2 launches, on the other hand, are conducted as part of the missile life-extension program. In any event, the launches give the Strategic Rocket Forces an opportunity to earn some money in the process. The Dnepr launches are handled by the Kosmotras company.
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Comments
OK...
It seems some Satans still able to fly... ;-)
Any videos available? I've only got one good SS-18 launch. Very interesting stuff.
Must have looked funny, Dnepr sticking its nose out of the Silo before launch.
There is a video on the website of Kosmotras, look in the archive section.
This was the second Dnepr launch this year, with 2 more scheduled this year alone.
Does anyone know what is up with Sea Launch currently after its last failure and its plans for nextgen primary boost vehicle ... beyond the Ukranian-Russian Zenit?
Hello,
as far as I know SeaLaunch wants to resume its launches already this year. Officials said there was a piece of metal within the pump of the RD-171 engine leading to the loss of the launcher.
Also Land Launch, the Baikonur based version of SeaLaunch wants to start its first commercial satellites this or next year. They got a lot of contracts in recent time.
There is no information on a possible Zenit follow on for the Zenit. SeaLaunch is a company consisting of Boeing, Kvaerner, the ukrainian producer of the Zenit and the Russian producer of the RD-171 enginge and the upper stage. It is possible that they end there cooperation when Zenit get phased out. The Russians have Angara, Boeing has its expensive Delta II and IV for the US Government, Kvaerner is an Oil company and if the Ukrainians have the money to design a new booster on there own?
Their next project is to launch Zyklon 4 from Alcantara/Brazil, but I don´t know if that will really happen.
Martin