It is somewhat unusual for the Russian military to announce their plans in advance, but this is exactly what happened - Nikolay Solovtsov, the commander of the Rocket Forces, said today that his units will conduct a test launch of a ballistic missile from the Baykonur test site on August 24 (very early in the morning). He did not disclose any further details, but the very fact of an early announcement seems to suggest that this might be an unusual launch.
Since launches of R-36M/SS-18 missiles has been recently moved to Dombarovsky, it is most likely that the upcoming launch will be that of a UR-100NUTTH/SS-19 missile. Should we expect another test of a "miracle maneuvering warhead"? Stay tuned.
Update: It will be a launch of a Dnepr/SS-18 launcher that will deliver into orbit two Japanese satellites. The launch is scheduled for August 24, 2005, 03:10 a.m. local time.
"Preparations for 5th Dnepr launch mission with two spacecraft - OICETS and INDEX – owned by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are underway at Baikonur Cosmodrome. The launch is scheduled for August 24, 2005, 03:10 a.m. local time." It would appear that this is that launch referenced.
Thank you. I think you are right. I was confused by the reference to a "combat training launch of an ICBM". A Dnepr launch explains the early announcement.
It seems that there will be a launch prior to the Dnepr. According to http://en.rian.ru/science/20050630/40822392.html and http://www.russianspaceweb.com/index.html a Rokot (UR-100/SS-19) launch is scheduled for August 18. Interesting that Colonel-General Solovtsov did not mentioned it; or has he?
No, Solovtsov didn't say anything about the Rocket launch. He specifically mentioned August 24th.
This launch the 18th will be a Rockot launch, a converted SS-19, but from Plestek.