Volna

RSM-50 Volna SS-N-18 Stingray (NATO) R-29R (SLBM)

Mission Profile

The Volna (RSM-50, SS-N-18 Stingray, R-29R) was a two-to-three-stage Russian launch vehicle derived from a submarine-launched ballistic missile in the R-29 family, repurposed for small satellite orbital delivery from a surfaced submarine. Standing 14.8 m tall with a 1.8 m diameter and a liftoff mass of 35 tonnes, it could deliver approximately 50 kg to low Earth orbit. First flying in June 1995, the Volna was used for several low-cost launch attempts including the Cosmos 1 solar sail mission, though the programme achieved limited success.