R-36O 8K69
R-36O familyYuzhnoye Design BureauRetired
The R-36O was the only orbiting military nuclear weapon ever deployed, although in order to remain legal under international treaties it was a 'fractional orbital' weapon. Although American infrared early warning satellites invalidated the 'surprise attack' component of the concept, 18 missiles were operational from 1969 to 1983.
Specifications
- Thrust
- 2,366 kN
- Height
- 32.6 m
- Diameter
- 3 m
- Launch mass
- 182 t
- Stages
- 2
Specifications from Launch Library. Figures the operator has not published are omitted.
Flight record
21flightswith a definitive outcome
90.5%success rate19 of 21
2failuresincluding partial failures
14success streakcurrent
First flight December 16, 1965 · latest July 28, 1970
Counted from padside's own launch record, the same basis as the stats page.
Flights per year
- Successful
- Failed
Show the numbers for R-36O 8K69 flights per year
| Year | Successful | Failed | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 1966 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| 1967 | 9 | 1 | 10 |
| 1968 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 1969 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 1970 | 1 | 0 | 1 |