Looking at the videos, you can see the effect being projected into the sky from the ground. There is a conical beam of light starting from a small point on the ground.

it's all right until someone puts out an eye....

So this happens the day before Obama is heading for Oslo?

Coincidence?

Yes.

I suppose, because the Russians (or us for that matter) would never think of using a military hardware "test" to show off a bit for a rival.

Of course having the thing fail in such a headline grabbing way might not have been part of the plan.


Although I do hope the worlds fireworks manufactures are looking at this technique.

Eh, all that says to me is that Russia's always got something going on somewhere, it just gets noticed when the President is coming to town.

Again, perhaps.

But I do find it odd they were testing the Bulava a sub launched missile reported to "possess advanced defense capabilities making it nearly impervious to existing and future missile-defense systems".

While it's true some progress has been made, Russia is still generally pissed over the subject of missile-defense systems. So they just happened to test the Bulava a day before Obama was to arrive in the area. Ah, yeah. Sure.

The fact the missile apparently failed also leaves open the possibility they were rushed to get the test off.

Still it's just speculation.

7 of 13 tests have failed. This was hardly unprecedented, or indicative of a rush-job. It's business as usual.