Russian RS-28 Sarmat Missile Test Likely Fails, Satellite Images Show

A Russian RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, known as Satan II, likely failed during a recent test. Satellite images revealed a large crater at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome launch site. Analysts suggest a failed test or accident during defuelling. Russian defense ministry remains silent on the issue.

A Russian RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, dubbed Satan II, likely experienced a failed test earlier this month, according to arms experts and recent satellite imagery. Maxar satellite photos dated Sept. 21 disclosed a crater approximately 60 meters (200 feet) wide at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia, where the ballistic missile was launched.

The images revealed significant damage around the launch area, which was not present in earlier images. Experts are uncertain if the liquid-fueled RS-28 Sarmat failed during the launch sequence or had an incident during the defuelling process. "By all indications, it was a failed test. It's a big hole in the ground," remarked Pavel Podvig, an analyst in Geneva.

The Russian defense ministry has not responded to inquiries nor issued statements about the planned Sarmat tests. The RS-28 Sarmat, with a range of 18,000 km (11,000 miles), can carry up to 16 nuclear warheads or Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles, per Russian media reports.

(With inputs from agencies.)