Space Brief 2 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers India's military communications satellite launch, SpaceX's Starlink mission milestone, Latvia's agreement to the Artemis Accords, and more significant updates in space technology and satellite launches.
SAMSAT-218D (41466)
COSPAR: 2016-026C | Alt Name: Samsat-218/D
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 28, 2016
Launch Site
VOSTO
Launch Pad
PU1S
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-2-1A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
41466
International Designator
2016-026C
Decay Date
3/4/2022
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SAMSAT-218D
Alternative Name
Samsat-218/D
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SNIU
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
SAMSAT-218D (also known as Samsat-218/D) is a 3U CubeSat technology satellite launched by Russia on April 28, 2016, from the Vostochny Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-2-1A launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 0.1 meter with a span of 0.3 meters. It weighs 4 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. SAMSAT-218D is equipped with solar cells and batteries for power, and its mission involves technology demonstrations. The satellite was manufactured by SNIU (Scientific and Production Association named after N.V. Ufimtsev) and is part of the Kontakt-Nanosputnik payload. It has a box shape and an RCS of 0.0589 with no motor or ADCS systems noted in the provided data.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
4
Launch Mass
4
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
0.0589
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Kontakt-Nanosputnik
Purpose
Technology
Mission
Technology
Manufacturer
SNIU
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Cubesat 3U
Configuration
CubeSat (3U)
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Force Awards $1.8B Andromeda Program to 14 Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force selects 14 companies for $1.8 billion Andromeda program to replace GSSAP geosynchronous surveillance satellites with commercial alternatives through 2036.
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.
X Report 1 Dec 2025
SpaceX celebrates significant milestones with the launch of Falcon 9 and developments in the Starship program, while Elon Musk addresses media narratives surrounding Starlink's humanitarian efforts.
Space Brief 27 Jun 2025
Today's Space Brief covers potential changes in the procurement strategies for the Space Force, developments in missile detection technology, and budgetary impacts on space programs.
Who Owns SpaceX in 2026? Ownership, Valuation, and the Trillion-Dollar IPO
Elon Musk controls 79% of SpaceX's votes with just 42% of the equity - and the company just merged with his AI startup at a $1.25 trillion valuation. Here's who actually owns what, how the money works, and what a $1.75 trillion IPO means for investors.
X Report 13 May 2025
SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink network with multiple launches and gains momentum in international markets, while revisiting launch tariffs and new regulations.
Space Brief 23 Feb 2025
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from both coasts, while first 3D atmospheric map of an exoplanet reveals extreme weather patterns, and Starlink missions push total count over 8,000 satellites.