R-36O 8K69

Built & Operated By
Yuzhnoye Design Bureau
Commercial · founded 1951
Family
R-36O
variant 8K69
Maiden Flight
28 JUL 1965
About
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.
Vehicle Specifications
Height
32.6 m
Diameter
3 m
Launch Mass
182 T
Stages
2
Configuration
Expendable
Launch Record
Total Launches
21
Successful
19
Failed
2
Consecutive
14