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RS-20B Ballistic Missiles to Remain Alert
RS-20B ballistic missiles will remain alert, Lt Gen Vitaly Linnik, who is the deputy commander of Strategic Rocket Forces, said in Baikonur Tuesday when launching the booster under the Dnepr program.
“The results of the launch confirmed stability of basic technical specifications of RS-20B missile and the possibility to further operate this type of missiles on alert,” Linnik specified.
Launched from Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, RS-20B put in orbit 14 satellites of Russia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United States, RIA Novosti reported with reference to the information and PR service of Strategic Rocket Forces (SRF).
Intercontinental RS-20B was pulled out of SRF’s operational strength in 2004 to be disposed of. But in 2006 it was transferred from the stockpile to Baikonur cosmodrome and deemed fit for launching commercial satellites under Dnepr program.
It is worth mentioning that the Dnepr program that sets forth using RS-20 for putting satellites in orbit was set to motion in mid.-1990s, by initiatives of Russia’s and U.S. presidents.
Now this program is very popular both with Russia’s and foreign clients. The order portfolio is full for three years ahead, SRF Commander Col. Gen. Nikolay Solovtsov said earlier, specifying that the plans are to blast off two or three times a year.
www.kommersant.com
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