R-36O 8K69M
R-36O family
· built by Yuzhnoye Design Bureau
· maiden flight 1970-09-25
Profile data last updated: 2026-08-29T15:37:07.354998+00:00 | 7531-10-17
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.
Specifications
35.0 mLength
3.0 mDiameter
180 tLaunch mass
2Stages
Payload Capacity
No payload capacity figures published for this configuration.
Lifetime Launch Record
As reported by Launch Library 2 across this rocket's entire history, not just the launches tracked on this site.
2Total launches
2Successful
0Failed
0Upcoming
Launches Tracked on This Site
2In our archive
100.0%Success rate
Sep 25, 1970 14:05 UTCEarliest tracked
Aug 08, 1971 23:45 UTCMost recent
| Mission | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| R-36O 8K69M | OGCh 24 | Aug 08, 1971 23:45 UTC | Success |
| R-36O 8K69M | OGCh 23 | Sep 25, 1970 14:05 UTC | Success |