The RS-28 Sarmat ICBM reportedly exploded in its launch silo at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia’s Arkhangelsk region during a test conducted on Saturday. High-resolution satellite imagery captured the aftermath, showing a large crater measuring approximately 62 meters wide, along with significant damage to surrounding buildings and infrastructure.
The incident was first reported by the OSINT project MeNMyRC, which analyzed satellite images provided by Planet Labs. The analyst noted that the missile’s liquid-fuel engine likely exploded as it was either being fueled or exiting the 15P728 launch shaft. There is evidence suggesting that the explosion occurred during the fueling process rather than the launch itself, as no typical flight tracking data was recorded.
My thanks to @MT_Anderson for providing this Planet Labs imagery and allowing me to publish it with comments.
As is readily apparent, the RS-28 Sarmat test was a complete failure. The missile detonated in the silo leaving a massive crater and destroying the test site. The… https://t.co/FuKIaTNFVs pic.twitter.com/AuIpQRrDLa
— MeNMyRC (@MeNMyRC1) September 21, 2024
The explosion was further confirmed by satellite data from NOAA-20 and the SUOMI NPP satellites, which detected two instances of fire in the area after the failed test. However, it’s unclear whether the fire was directly caused by the missile explosion or was an incidental result. The imagery, shared by OSINT researcher George Barros from the Institute for the Study of War, corroborated these findings, providing visual evidence of the incident.
A large crater (approximately 62 meters wide) is visible at the launch silo and extensive damage in and around the launch pad can be seen which suggests that the missile exploded shortly after ignition or launch. pic.twitter.com/2a4l7YWf3m
— George Barros (@georgewbarros) September 22, 2024
U.S. reconnaissance aircraft known as “Cobra Ball,” which typically monitor ICBM launches, were absent during this test. The absence suggests that the missile never fully launched and that the explosion occurred while it was still in the silo or during preparations for launch.
The RS-28 Sarmat is a liquid-fueled ICBM capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads over long distances. It is a central element of Russia’s strategic nuclear program, intended to serve as a key component of the country’s nuclear deterrence. The Sarmat was first successfully tested in April 2022, and Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered it to be placed on combat duty, a directive reportedly fulfilled in September 2023.
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