In Moscow, Mikhail Shatsky, the deputy head of the design bureau "Mars" and head of the software department, was shot. He was referred to in many media outlets as being responsible for the air-to-ground missiles X-59 and X-69. These missiles are routinely used for strikes against Ukraine, including being deployed for an attack on the Tripoli TPP.
At the same time, the actual scope of responsibility of "MOKB Mars," along with its leaders, is much broader than just this task. In general, this design bureau, which formally falls under "Rosatom," is better known for its activities in the space sector and for developing so-called onboard control systems (digital computing machines - "CVM") for spacecraft and booster blocks. For instance, for orbital astrophysical observatories of the "Spektr" series and the "Breeze-M" blocks.
However, the activities of such design bureaus are almost never limited to "peaceful space." During the Soviet era, "MOKB Mars," alongside the development of the automatic landing system for the reusable "Buran," was also designing navigation systems for the X-55 cruise missile.
And, of course, this combination continues to be pursued in the Russian Federation. Notably, in September 2024, the community InformNapalm published documents proving that "MOKB Mars" is engaged in onboard control systems for cruise missiles of the "Raduga" design bureau. This involves not only the X-59 and X-69 but also the high-speed X-22, X-32, and cruise missiles X-555 and X-101, where systems K-051M, U501M, and navigation modules SN-99 are used at a minimum.
Interestingly, this information came to light due to research reports on the X-32 missiles for which "MOKB Mars" was performing repairs on systems that frequently malfunctioned. As the community noted, over 50% of X-32 missiles had such issues.
From the perspective of Defense Express, it should be noted that "MOKB Mars" is also involved in a rather specialized topic - astronavigation, which is actively used in spacecraft as well as in strategic bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles. It is not ruled out that this rather discreet aspect of "MOKB Mars's" work is also present in this Russian weaponry.