COSMOS 1866 (18184)

COSPAR: 1987-059A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1866
DECAYED

Image
COSMOS 1866 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

July 9, 1987

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC16/2

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

18184

International Designator

1987-059A

Decay Date

11/6/1987

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 1866

Alternative Name

Kosmos-1866

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

UNKS

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
COSMOS 1866, also known as Kosmos-1866, is a reconnaissance satellite designed for photo reconnaissance using film return technology. Launched on July 9, 1987, from the PLMSC launch site (LC16/2) by a Soyuz-U launch vehicle, this satellite, part of the Yantar'-4K2 series, was manufactured by TSSKB and belongs to UNKS. The spacecraft features a configuration of the Yantar Bus with a main reentry module and two small reentry capsules for returning film canisters. With dimensions of 6.3 meters in length and diameter, and a span of 6.3 meters, it has a dry mass of 2886 kg, identical to its launch mass. Equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power, the satellite's shape is characterized as cylindrical with two panels (Cyl + 2 Pan) and covers an area of approximately 59.4 square meters. The mission of COSMOS 1866 involves reconnaissance activities, focusing on photo intelligence gathered through its Kobal't No. 511 payload.
Physical Characteristics

Length

6.3

Diameter

2.7

Span

6.3

Dry Mass

2886

Launch Mass

2886

Shape

Cyl + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

59.4

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Kobal't No. 511

Purpose

Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)

Mission

Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)

Manufacturer

TSSKB

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Yantar'-4K2

Configuration

Yantar Bus, main reentry module, 2 small reentry capsules

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Force Orders 14 GPS 3F Satellites for $514M | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Orders 14 GPS 3F Satellites for $514M | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force awards Lockheed Martin $514M for two additional GPS 3F satellites, bringing total orders to 14. New satellites add anti-jam features and upgraded civilian signals.

X Report 27 Nov 2024

X Report 27 Nov 2024

SpaceX secures FCC nod for Starlink's direct-to-phone connectivity, lands NASA's Dragonfly mission, and sees new competition with the ZhuQue-2E launch.

Starship V3 Static Fire Sets Up Flight 12, X Report 16 Apr 2026

Starship V3 Static Fire Sets Up Flight 12, X Report 16 Apr 2026

Starship V3 completes its first full-duration static fire in April 2026, with Flight 12 targeting May. Dual Falcon 9s push Starlink to 10,242 working.

Esrange Spaceport

Esrange Spaceport

Europe's bid to break free from the US launch monopoly. How Sweden's Esrange Space Center is transforming access to space, enabling orbital launches, and strengthening strategic independence for the continent.

Space Brief 9 Jun 2025

Space Brief 9 Jun 2025

Key space events for today include potential changes in US space policy involving SpaceX, uncertainties regarding NASA's Starliner, and China's new steps in asteroid exploration.

Space Brief 9 Dec 2024

Space Brief 9 Dec 2024

Highlights include China's rising threats in space, a new Starlink launch, NASA's optimistic future, and a cosmic conjunction featuring the Moon and Saturn.

X Report 4 Jul 2025

X Report 4 Jul 2025

SpaceX continues to make strides in satellite deployment with a successful launch. The European Space Agency's new satellite enhances global atmospheric forecasting, showcasing the expanding role of launches in improving environmental monitoring.

Suborbital Tourism Scorecard 2026, the Edge of Space Goes Quiet

Suborbital Tourism Scorecard 2026, the Edge of Space Goes Quiet

Twenty-two years after SpaceShipOne, the two companies that defined suborbital tourism are both sitting on the ground. Blue Origin parked New Shepard in January, Virgin Galactic has not flown a customer since 2024, and the math behind the whole business is finally getting an honest look.