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 Sarmat is a liquid fueled missile so this accident could have occurred separate from the actual launch activity.
If this occurred as part of the fueling process, it could explain the lack of Cobra Ball activity on the day of the incident. This first, and last successful test of the Sarmat was April 20th, 2022.
With these events now official, this is at least the 4th failed test attempt of the "combat operational" Sarmat Heavy ICBM.
Note the 4 fire trucks responding to the forest fire.
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 Sarmat is a liquid fueled missile so this accident could have occurred separate from the actual launch activity.
If this occurred as part of the fueling process, it could explain the lack of Cobra Ball activity on the day of the incident. This first, and last successful test of the Sarmat was April 20th, 2022.
With these events now official, this is at least the 4th failed test attempt of the "combat operational" Sarmat Heavy ICBM.
Note the 4 fire trucks responding to the forest fire.
@IntelCrab
@TheIntelFrog
@thenewarea51
@MT_Anderson
@M51_4ever
@vcdgf555
@TheIntelFrog
@thenewarea51
@MT_Anderson
@M51_4ever
@vcdgf555
In discussion with Etienne, @M51_4ever , who noted that the NOTAM for the test had been cancelled after the 19th (when Cobra Ball was on station), this silo explosion could very well indicate that the test had already failed/been postponed and that the accident occurred during missile defueling, or associated, operations.
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