Major fire breaks out at institute near Moscow: Facility produces rocket components
Photo: A large research institute caught fire in the suburbs of Moscow (t.me/KhotkovoChat)
A fire broke out on Wednesday, Oct. 30, in Khotkovo, Moscow region, at a large research institute, according to local Telegram channels.
The fire occurred this morning on the premises of the Central Research Institute for Machine Building.
Smoke from the fire was visible in various parts of the city. Witnesses report that the flames engulfed a workshop where testing is conducted. Russian emergency services claim that insulation material caught fire, with no injuries reported.
The Central Research Institute for Machine Building in Khotkovo is a major enterprise in the design and production of polymer composite structures for rocket and space technology, petrochemical machinery, transport, energy, and other industries.
The institute carries out design and technological developments, including:
- high-pressure containers and cylinders;
- mesh structures;
- transport and launch container bodies;
- nozzles;
- specialized fiberglass products;
- dampers;
- construction methods;
- testing and stand equipment for product development.
The institute produces parts for Russian Proton and Ariane space launch vehicles. Reports also indicate that the institute developed composite materials and a container for the Topol missile system, whose missiles can carry nuclear warheads.
On the night of Oct. 30, a fire broke out in Zheleznogorsk, Kursk region. Russians claimed that the blaze was caused by a drone attack.
Drones recently targeted distilleries in the Voronezh region, causing major fires. The Russians produce fuel for military needs at these distilleries.
