# Kosmos 18

> soviet reconnaissance satellite (Zenit 2-11)

**Wikidata**: [Q1119588](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1119588)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_18)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-18

## Summary
Kosmos 18 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite, classified as a Zenit-2 type spacecraft. Launched on May 24, 1963, by a Vostok-2 rocket, it was designed for observation and intelligence gathering. The satellite re-entered Earth's atmosphere on June 2, 1963.

## Key Facts
*   **Type:** Soviet reconnaissance satellite (Zenit-2)
*   **Launch Date:** May 24, 1963
*   **Launch Time:** 10:34:06
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Vostok-2
*   **Launch Site:** Gagarin's Start
*   **Manufacturer:** S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
*   **Mass:** 4730 kilograms
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1963-018A
*   **Orbital Period:** 89.44 minutes
*   **Orbital Inclination:** 65.02 degrees
*   **Apoapsis:** 301 kilometers
*   **Periapsis:** 209 kilometers
*   **Atmospheric Entry:** June 2, 1963

## FAQs
### Q: What was Kosmos 18?
A: Kosmos 18 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite, specifically identified as a Zenit-2 type spacecraft. It was part of the early Kosmos series of satellites launched by the Soviet Union.

### Q: When was Kosmos 18 launched?
A: Kosmos 18 was launched on May 24, 1963, at 10:34:06. Its mission concluded with atmospheric re-entry on June 2, 1963.

### Q: What rocket launched Kosmos 18?
A: Kosmos 18 was launched into orbit by a Vostok-2 rocket. The launch took place from Gagarin's Start.

### Q: What was the primary purpose of Kosmos 18?
A: Kosmos 18 was a reconnaissance satellite, indicating its primary purpose was for observation, surveillance, and intelligence gathering as part of the Soviet space program.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 18?
A: Kosmos 18 was manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia. This entity was a key contributor to the Soviet Union's early space endeavors.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 18 holds significance as an early example of Soviet reconnaissance capabilities in space during the Cold War era. As a Zenit-2 class satellite, it represented a crucial step in the development of dual-purpose spacecraft, which could serve both military intelligence and scientific observation roles. Its launch contributed to the Soviet Union's growing expertise in orbital mechanics and satellite deployment, demonstrating their capacity to place sophisticated payloads into orbit. The data gathered by such satellites was vital for strategic planning and understanding global developments, influencing geopolitical dynamics. Furthermore, its manufacture by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia highlights the foundational role of this organization in shaping the Soviet space program and its technological advancements. Kosmos 18, therefore, is a testament to the early technological prowess and strategic ambitions of the Soviet Union in space.

## Notable For
*   Being an early Soviet reconnaissance satellite of the Zenit-2 class.
*   Its specific launch on May 24, 1963, from Gagarin's Start using a Vostok-2 rocket.
*   Having a relatively short operational period, re-entering the atmosphere on June 2, 1963.
*   Its mass of 4730 kilograms, providing insight into early satellite payload capabilities.

## Body

### Overview
Kosmos 18 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite, identified as a Zenit-2 type spacecraft. Its COSPAR ID was 1963-018A. The satellite had a mass of 4730 kilograms, reflecting the capabilities of early Soviet satellite technology.

### Launch and Orbital Characteristics
The launch of Kosmos 18 occurred on May 24, 1963, at 10:34:06. The mission originated from Gagarin's Start, a significant launch facility. A Vostok-2 rocket served as the launch vehicle for Kosmos 18. Upon reaching orbit, the satellite maintained specific parameters:
*   **Apoapsis:** 301 kilometers
*   **Periapsis:** 209 kilometers
*   **Orbital Inclination:** 65.02 degrees
*   **Orbital Period:** 89.44 minutes

### Manufacturing and Mission End
Kosmos 18 was manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, a prominent entity in the Soviet space industry. The satellite's operational phase concluded with its atmospheric entry on June 2, 1963.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report