Satellite imagery suggests that Russia’s recent test launch of its Sarmat ICBM, also known as the Satan II, may have failed. The test, which took place at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia, left behind a large crater, indicating a significant explosion on the launchpad.
Signs of a Failed Launch
The satellite image, analyzed by CBS News, reveals a crater approximately 200 feet wide and evidence of a large fire and debris at the launch site. Trucks surrounded the area while fires continued to burn in the nearby trees. George Barros, Russia team lead at the Institute for the Study of War, noted that the aftermath suggests a major failure during the launch attempt.
Pavel Podvig, director of the Russian Nuclear Forces Project, speculated that the incident might have occurred during the missile’s refueling process, possibly resulting in an explosion within the missile silo.
Russia’s Silence on the Incident
The Russian government has remained largely silent about the test. When asked for comment, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “We do not have any information on this matter.” Meanwhile, a U.S. Defense Department spokesperson referred inquiries to Russia’s Ministry of Defense.
The Sarmat ICBM, capable of carrying a large payload and targeting areas as far as 11,000 miles away, was last launched in February 2023, just days before President Biden visited Kyiv. That test also reportedly failed.
Nuclear Saber Rattling and the Global Response
According to experts, the latest test is part of Russia’s broader nuclear posturing. Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, described the Sarmat ICBM test as “nuclear saber-rattling.” He noted that Russia has been actively modernizing its nuclear arsenal while the U.S. is still catching up in this area.
Russia suspended its participation in the New START Treaty in February 2023, signaling the potential for renewed nuclear testing. Although the U.S. has conducted its own ICBM test launches this year, including two Minuteman III tests, Russia has ramped up efforts to strengthen its missile capabilities despite experiencing several failed nuclear weaponry tests in 2024, including tests of the Poseidon torpedo and Bulava missile.
As tensions surrounding nuclear capabilities escalate, the apparent failure of Russia’s latest Satan II ICBM test marks a significant moment in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its strategic forces. With Russia and the U.S. continuing to test ICBMs, the global community watches closely to see how these developments impact international security.