Since the 1970s, the R-36 ICBM and its derivatives have served as the backbone of Russia's missile forces. With the end of the Cold War, stocks of the missile have been gradually reduced in accordance with arms treaties. In the coming years, Moscow plans to phase out the R-36 entirely in favour of a new missile – the RS-28 Sarmat.
Russia's stocks of R-36M2 Voyevoda (NATO designation SS-18 Satan) could be converted for civilian use, Roscosmos director general Dmitry Rogozin has announced.
“There is a method of salvaging known as ‘salvage by launch'…We could easily adapt [the R-36] for projects involving the launch of small spacecraft into civilian orbits,” Rogozin said, speaking about the missile's fate during a visit to the Krasnoyarsk Machine Building Plant defence enterprise on Saturday.
“The issue is under discussion. This method specifically should be spread to the disposal of all missiles which are removed from combat duty,” Rogozin added.
According to the Roscosmos chief, the concept for a technological life cycle which incorporates post-retirement use should be deliberately introduced into the latest Russian missile systems, including the Sarmat, a new strategic missile expected to replace the R-36 and enter into service with the Missile Forces two years from now.
Rogozin's comments weren't the first time officials have proposed this unique ‘recycling' method for the rocket. Earlier, Russian missile engineers
