LAUNCH MISSION
Soviet Space Program R-36O 8K69M OGCh 24
Launch Pad
191/66
Description
Missile equipped with the 8F021 warhead
R-36O 8K69M
Rocket Description
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.