`Dnepr`carrier rocket launch .Russian military men at pre launch preparations. On July26, 2006, During the launch of a russian Dnepr carrier rocket, which was to have orbited 18 Russian and foreign-made [mini-] satellites, the rocket`s first stage engine experienced an emergency shutdown - said Igor Panarin, the Federal Space Agency`s press secretary. `This is the agency`s official viewpoint.` The Dnepr rocket carrier, a civilian version of the heavy R-36M2 Voyevoda (SS-18 Satan) intercontinental ballistic missile, was launched around midnight (8 p.m. GMT Wednesday).