Space · launch vehicle
R-36O 8K69
OKB-586
RETIRED
At a glance
Launches
21
Success rate
90.5%
19 ok · 2 failed
Payload to LEO
—
Payload to GTO
—
Manufacturer
Yuzhnoye Design BureauStatus
RetiredFirst flight
28 Jul 1965Reusable
NoHeight
32.6 mDiameter
3 mLaunch mass
182 tLiftoff thrust
—Stages
2Launch cost
—Booster landings
—Links
WikipediaAbout
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.
Source The Space Devs — Launch Library 2
Last checked 29 Sept 2026