Mitrofan Ivanovich Nedelin

Mitrofan Nedelin, head of the Soviet Union’s strategic missile forces, decided that it was necessary to speed up the test launch of the missile so that it could take place in time for the anniversary of the October Revolution, on October 24.

…exploded during a test, killing Mitrofan Ivanovich Nedelin, chief of the Strategic Rocket Forces, and several hundred observers.