Failed Sarmat ICBM Launch: Purple Plume and Questions of Russian Reliability
A recent missile launch from the Yasny test site in Russia resulted in a failure shortly after takeoff, producing a large plume of purple smoke. While regional authorities have not disclosed the type of missile, reports suggest the launch may have been an RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, based on the site’s configuration and fuel characteristics. However, some outlets propose the incident may involve a UR-100N intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle, as the site supports both systems. This potential failure marks another setback for Russia’s missile program, which has faced previous challenges, including damage to launch infrastructure.
John Q. Hosedrinker