New Satellite Images Reveal Failed Launch of Sarmat Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Used by Putin for Intimidation Purposes

Satellite images show the launch failure. Photo: George Barros

OSINT analyst George Barros has released new satellite images from space technology company Maxar that show a failed test of the Sarmat super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia.

Source:Barros on X (Twitter)

Details:The OSINT analyst noted that a large crater, approximately 200 feet (62 m) wide, and extensive damage on and around the launch pad at the launch silo site suggest that the missile exploded shortly after ignition or launch.

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Satellite images reveal launch failure

Photo: George Barros

Satellite images revealing the launch failure.

Photo: George Barros

For reference: Sarmat is a Russian strategic missile system with an intercontinental ballistic missile. The Russians claim that its capabilities allow it to bypass all modern missile defense systems and that it is the longest-range weapon in the world.

According to official Russian data, the Sarmat missile has a range of more than 11,000 km and can carry a warhead weighing 100 tons.

Satellite images reveal launch failure

Photo: George Barros

Satellite images reveal launch failure

Photo: George Barros

Previously: Prior to this, the MeNMyRC OSINT project had released satellite imagery showing that a Sarmat ICBM had exploded during a test in Plesetsk, Russia.

Background:

• In June 2023, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, boasting about the latest weapons of the Russian Armed Forces at a meeting with military graduates, once again resorted to the threat of putting into service new Sarmat launchers with a new super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). He also said that plans to improve the capabilities of all components of the Russian Armed Forces would be fully implemented.
• Western media reported five failed launches of Sarmat missiles.
• According to the American business news channel CNBC, the longest test flight of the Sarmat lasted just over two minutes. The missile flew just over 35 km before losing control and crashing.
• The only successful launch of the missile is believed to have taken place on April 20, 2022.
• Russian leader Vladimir Putin ordered the Sarmat to be put into combat service in 2022, which was done in September 2023.

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