Space Brief 22 Mar 2025
Today's briefing covers a range of critical space industry updates, from Space Force's strategic initiatives to SpaceX's latest launch record and groundbreaking developments in orbital manufacturing.
COSMOS 1868 (18192)
COSPAR: 1987-061A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1868
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 14, 1987
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/2
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
18192
International Designator
1987-061A
Decay Date
3/3/1989
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1868
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1868
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PVO
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
COSMOS 1868, also known as Kosmos-1868, is a radar calibration satellite launched on July 14, 1987, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome (LC132/2) using the Kosmos 11K65M launch vehicle. The spacecraft is configured as a 2-meter sphere with a dry mass and launch mass of 750 kilograms. It was manufactured by YUZH for the Russian Air Defense Forces (PVO). Its primary mission involves radar calibration, contributing to the performance testing and enhancement of radar systems. With an RCS of 5.1228, COSMOS 1868 lacks equipment such as power generation or propulsion systems, focusing solely on its intended purpose without additional operational capabilities.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2
Diameter
2
Span
2
Dry Mass
750
Launch Mass
750
Shape
Sphere
Radar Cross Section
5.1228
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Taifun-1B
Purpose
Radar calibration
Mission
Radar calibration
Manufacturer
YUZH
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Taifun-1B
Configuration
2 m sphere
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
None
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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