Start

Start SLV RT-2PM Topol derived

Mission Profile

The Start (Start SLV, RT-2PM Topol derived) was a five-stage Russian solid-fuelled launch vehicle in the RT-2 family, converted from retired Topol intercontinental ballistic missiles for small satellite delivery. Standing 28.3 m tall with a 1.8 m diameter and a liftoff mass of 70 tonnes, it generated 1,770 kN of first-stage thrust and could deliver 800 kg to low Earth orbit. First flying in March 1995, the Start launched several small satellites from road-mobile transporter-erector-launchers at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, demonstrating the conversion of surplus ICBMs into productive space launchers.