New missile blamed for Russian test site blast

U.S. officials suspect that an accidental explosion and radiation release in northern Russia occurred during the testing of a nuclear-powered cruise missile first revealed by the Kremlin in 2018


Aug 8, Nyonoksa: Blast at military site kills at least seven people. Accident occurs while
testing “isotope power source in liquid propulsion system”, according to Russia’s state nuclear agency, Rosatom

Area of bay closed for one month following release of radiation


White Sea
RUSSIA
St. Petersburg
Moscow
500km 310 miles


20km 12.5 miles
DVINA BAY
Severodvinsk
Arkhangelsk
M-8


9M730 BUREVESTNIK (NATO name SSC-X-9 Skyfall)

Warhead: Likely nuclear-capable 
Wing
Rocket booster
Engine intake

Cruise missile claimed to have unlimited range due to nuclear power unit


Sources: Reuters, Secret Projects Forum, The Moscow Times 
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