R-36O family

R-36O 8K69M

RetiredUkraine Yuzhnoye Design BureauSpec: 8K69M

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.

Flights flown2

Success rate100%2/2

Maiden flight1970-09-25

Peak year19701 flight

R-36O 8K69M is built by Yuzhnoye Design Bureau of Ukraine. It first flew on 25 September 1970 and last flew on 8 August 1971.

Flight record

2 records

100% success rate2 of 2 flown

1970peak 1970 · 1 flight1971

First flight1970-09-25

Latest flight1971-08-08

Failures0

Consecutive successes2

Fastest turnaround317d 9h

Vehicle

8K69M spec

Stages	2
Length	35m
Diameter	3m
Launch mass	180t
Maiden flight	1970-09-25
Reusable	No

Pads used

1 pad

191/662

Orbits delivered

1 orbit

Low Earth Orbit2

Launch history

2 launches

Date	Mission	Pad	Orbit	Outcome
1971-08-08	R-36O 8K69M \| OGCh 24	191/66	Low Earth Orbit	Success
1970-09-25	R-36O 8K69M \| OGCh 23	191/66	Low Earth Orbit	Success

Specifications from Launch Library 2 by The Space Devs, launch records from Space Index. Derived figures are computed here; see sources and method.