R-36O 8K69M
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
- Height
- 35 m
- Diameter
- 3 m
- Launch mass
- 180 t
- Stages
- 2
Specifications from Launch Library. Figures the operator has not published are omitted.
Flight record
2flightswith a definitive outcome
100%success rate2 of 2
0failuresincluding partial failures
2success streakcurrent
First flight September 25, 1970 · latest August 8, 1971
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 8K69M flights per year
| Year | Successful | Failed | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 1971 | 1 | 0 | 1 |