OREANDA-NEWS. October 1, 2008. At 10.37 a.m. Moscow time (6.37a.m. GMT), in the framework of the Dnepr program, Strategic Missile Force launched intercontinental ballistic missile RS-20В (Russian letter B (English- `V`) stands for Russian word `Voevoda`, which means `military commander in ancient Russia`; name `Satan` is used in the Western classification) from Dombarovsky district in Orenburgskaya region. The rocket carries Thailand`s spacecraft called THEOS. Official announcement about the successful launch was made by Colonel Alexander Vovk, Information and P&R Office, Strategic Missile Force.

The launch was performed in line with the Strategic Force`s schedule, with the purpose to destroy the missile, as well as under the Dnepr program. The Dnepr program helps decreasing state budget expenses for the rocket complexes equipped with RS-20. "`Kosmotras` company reimburses the RS-20/satellite launch services to the RF Ministry of Defense", said Colonel Vovk.