The concrete silo door has been attached permanently in a half-open position in order to prevent launching
a missile and to give Russian satellites a good view of the missile. This was necessary to comply with SMART
(Strategic Missile Arms Reduction Treaty). In addition, the grey
concrete blocks on the left prevent the door from opening any further. So, these blocks were not
part of the original equipment. The same goes for the skylight that covers the now open part of the silo.
This window not only gives the visitors a good view of the missile's warhead, it also allows the Russian
satellites to make sure that the missile (which, also in order to comply with SMART, had to be
rendered inoperative), still sits in its place.
The shorter of the two poles visible holds the safety status lights. Green for safe
(all clear), Yellow for caution (approach with caution), red for unsafe
(do not approach).
