Satellite images appear to indicate that Russia is in the process of preparing another test flight of its new nuclear-powered cruise missile known as "Skyfall." The controversial new weapon, which houses a nuclear reactor inside it, could potentially defeat current U.S. missile defense systems.
The satellite photos captured by commercial satellite imaging company Capella Space showed "strong indications" that Russia was preparing for another test launch. The photos were of a known launch site located in the Arctic Circle.
The missile, known in Russia as the "Burevestnik" missile, is part of the country's advanced weapons program. Weapons experts said the missile could potentially defeat U.S. missile defense radars and interceptors. The missile has a virtually unlimited range thanks to its built-in nuclear reactor.
Russia previously conducted a test of the nuclear-powered cruise missile from the same site in November 2017. The nation reportedly conducted several tests over the next few months, but none were successful.
Researchers were first able to identify the location of the test site after Russian President Vladimir Putin released a video of a missile test in 2018. Since then, researchers have been monitoring the site through satellite imaging.
New satellite images obtained by CNN show Russia may be preparing another test of its nuclear-powered cruise missile, known as "Skyfall" — a controversial weapon that is designed to defeat US defense systems. https://t.co/Ul3LluCtAd — CNN International (@cnni) August 18, 2021
According to researchers at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies who analyzed the satellite photos, there has now been a buildup of supplies in the area. Researchers said they had spotted numerous cargo ships bringing supplies to the facility. The researchers also received reports that Russia had recently issued a "notice to mariners," warning that a hazardous operation would occur near the site.
Researchers said closer inspection of the facility showed what seemed to be an SSC-X-9 launcher for the Skyfall missile. They also noticed a significant number of objects being set up near the launch pad, including what appeared to be vehicles and shipping containers. Researchers said none of those objects were present in satellite images taken in June.
There is a lot of skepticism over the success of the new missile system, which has been overshadowed by concerns about its environmental impact. Some experts have even called the weapon a "Flying Chernobyl," in reference to the nuclear disaster in 1986.
