# Intercosmos 18
**Wikidata**: [Q1097402](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1097402)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/intercosmos-18

## Summary
Intercosmos 18 was an Earth observation satellite launched on October 24, 1978, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 aboard a Kosmos-3M rocket. Designed to observe Earth from orbit, it had a mass of 1050 kilograms and maintained an orbit with an apoapsis of 768 kilometers and a periapsis of 407 kilometers. The satellite operated until its orbital decay on March 17, 1981.

## Key Facts
*   Intercosmos 18 was an Earth observation satellite.
*   It was launched on October 24, 1978, at 19:00:00 UTC.
*   The launch occurred from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132.
*   Its launch vehicle was a Kosmos-3M rocket.
*   Intercosmos 18 had a mass of 1050 kilograms.
*   Its COSPAR ID was 1978-099A and its SCN was 11082.
*   The satellite maintained an orbit with an apoapsis of 768 kilometers and a periapsis of 407 kilometers.
*   It had an orbital period of 96 minutes and an orbital inclination of 83 degrees.
*   Intercosmos 18's orbital decay occurred on March 17, 1981.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Intercosmos 18?
A: Intercosmos 18 was an Earth observation satellite. It was designed to observe Earth from orbit and was part of the Intercosmos program, a Soviet-led international space cooperation program.

### Q: When and where was Intercosmos 18 launched?
A: Intercosmos 18 was launched on October 24, 1978, at 19:00:00 UTC. The launch took place from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132, utilizing a Kosmos-3M rocket.

### Q: What was the purpose of Intercosmos 18?
A: As an Earth observation satellite, Intercosmos 18's purpose was to observe Earth from orbit. This general function contributes to monitoring the planet and gathering data for various scientific and practical applications.

### Q: What were the key orbital characteristics of Intercosmos 18?
A: Intercosmos 18 orbited with an apoapsis of 768 kilometers and a periapsis of 407 kilometers. Its orbital period was 96 minutes, and its orbital inclination was 83 degrees.

### Q: When did Intercosmos 18 cease operations?
A: Intercosmos 18 ceased operations with its orbital decay, which occurred on March 17, 1981.

## Why It Matters
Intercosmos 18 played a role as an Earth observation satellite, a category of artificial satellites specifically designed to monitor and gather data about our planet from space. Satellites like Intercosmos 18 are crucial for a wide range of applications, including environmental monitoring, meteorological studies, resource management, and scientific research into Earth's systems. By observing Earth from orbit, these satellites provide valuable information that helps scientists understand global changes, track weather patterns, and assess the health of ecosystems. The data collected by such missions contributes to a comprehensive understanding of our planet's dynamics and supports informed decision-making. While specific mission details for Intercosmos 18 are not provided, its classification indicates its contribution to the broader field of space-based Earth monitoring during its operational period from 1978 to 1981.

## Notable For
*   Its specific launch on October 24, 1978, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132, utilizing a Kosmos-3M rocket.
*   Operating as an Earth observation satellite with a mass of 1050 kilograms.
*   Maintaining an orbit characterized by an apoapsis of 768 km, a periapsis of 407 km, and an orbital inclination of 83 degrees.
*   Its operational lifespan concluding with orbital decay on March 17, 1981.

## Body
### Overview
Intercosmos 18 was an artificial satellite classified as an Earth observation satellite. Its COSPAR ID was 1978-099A, and its SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) was 11082. The satellite had a mass of 1050 kilograms.

### Launch Details
Intercosmos 18 was launched in October 1978 as part of a significant event in space exploration.
*   **Launch Date**: 1978-10-24
*   **Launch Time**: 19:00:00 UTC
*   **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132
*   **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M. The Kosmos-3M is a Russian rocket, originating from the Soviet Union.

### Orbital Characteristics
Upon launch, Intercosmos 18 achieved specific orbital parameters that defined its path around Earth.
*   **Apoapsis**: 768 kilometers (the highest point in its orbit)
*   **Periapsis**: 407 kilometers (the lowest point in its orbit)
*   **Orbital Period**: 96 minutes (the time it took to complete one orbit)
*   **Orbital Inclination**: 83 degrees (the angle of its orbit relative to Earth's equator)

### Operational Period
Intercosmos 18 operated from its launch date until its eventual orbital decay.
*   **Time of Object Orbit Decay**: 1981-03-17

### Related Entities
*   **Class**: Earth observation satellite (an artificial satellite specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit).
*   **Launch Vehicle Class**: Kosmos-3M (a Russian rocket developed in the Soviet Union).

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report