Reliability

The SS-18 in its original configuration has been in operation since mid-70s. Throughout the entire period of the SS-18 operation, a number of measures have been taken to maintain the technical condition of the rockets, their launch and processing equipment, to include:

• Periodical checks of systems, units and equipment operability;
• Scheduled technical maintenance;
• Replacement of faulty components, units and elements if necessary;
• Verification of operability of all systems, units and equipment.

The effectiveness and adequacy of the above measures have been demonstrated by the successful launches of the rockets with various end times of their storage period.

The leading institutes of the Russian Ministry of Defense and Federal Space Agency of Russia, as well as State Design Office Yuzhnoye conduct annual independent evaluations of the reliability data values, of their compliance with the established requirements, and develop the reliability maintenance programs.

Currently, the mission reliability factor for the rocket is 0.97.

Dnepr Program

During 1992-2003 timeframe, a team of Russian and Ukrainian companies together with the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) were involved in developing a commercial space launch system based on the technology of the SS-18 ICBMs being withdrawn from service.

Dnepr LV