Space Brief 19 Dec 2025
Today's brief highlights significant developments in space defense, innovation fund challenges, and international defense agreements impacting satellite utilities.
COSMOS 1873 (18318)
COSPAR: 1987-071A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1873
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 28, 1987
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC45/1
Launch Vehicle
Zenit-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
18318
International Designator
1987-071A
Decay Date
9/14/1987
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1873
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1873
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
TSSKB
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
COSMOS 1873, also known as Kosmos-1873, is an Orlets-2 satellite launched on August 28, 1987, from the TYMSC launch site using a Zenit-2 launch vehicle from LC45/1. It was manufactured by TSSKB and had a dry mass of 11008 kg, with dimensions of 10 meters in length and span, and a diameter of 2.5 meters. The satellite's purpose was to conduct vehicle evaluation, and it carries the payload EPN No. 03.695. Its shape is cylindrical, and its RCS value is 91.61. The launch mass was also recorded as 11008 kg.
Physical Characteristics
Length
10
Diameter
2.5
Span
10
Dry Mass
11008
Launch Mass
11008
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
91.61
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
EPN No. 03.695
Purpose
Vehicle Evaluation
Mission
Vehicle Evaluation
Manufacturer
TSSKB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Orlets-2
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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