Bulava tests to continue
A state investigation commission recommends that the tests of Russia’s new intercontinental seabased missile should be resumed.
The commission was set up to investigate the numerous failed Bulava launches and presented its conclusions in June. In February, a source in the Russian Defence Ministry said the tests should be resumed this summer, but now deputy Defence Minister Vladimir Popovkin says a new test missile will be launched in November, reports Space Daily.
Popovkin was appointed as first deputy Defence Minister in late June this year. He has a background and in-sight knowledge on Russia’s missile programs. Popovkin served at the Baikonur spaceport. From 2001 to 2004 he worked as the Chief of Staff of the Space Troops and the first assistant Commander of the Space Troops. Then he was appointed as Commander of the Space Troops in 2004.
So far, seven out of 13 Bulava test launches have failed. The last test, in December 2009, was visible in the atmosphere over Northern Norway, when the missile went into a spectacular spin (see photo).
Read also: “Yury Dolgoruky” will need 5-6 more rounds of testing
After the failed launch in December, speculations were raised about the future development of the Bulava missile.
The submarine to carry the new missiles, Yury Dolgoruki of the Borey class, started its sea trials last year. Two other submarines of the Borey-class are currently under construction at the naval yard Sevmash in Severodvinsk.
Read all the BarentsObserver articles on the Bulava missile tests and development.
