# Progress M-18

> Russian uncrewed cargo spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q6590051](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6590051)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_M-18)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/progress-m-18

## Summary
Progress M-18 was a Russian uncrewed cargo spacecraft launched on May 22, 1993, to resupply space stations. It was part of the Progress-M series and was launched aboard a Soyuz-U2 rocket from Gagarin's Start. The spacecraft re-entered Earth's atmosphere on July 4, 1993.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Progress-M spacecraft, used for resupplying space stations.
- **Launch Date**: May 22, 1993.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U2.
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1993-034A.
- **Deorbit Date**: July 4, 1993.
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 22666.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Progress M-18.
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Available in English, Russian, Swedish, and Greek.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Progress M-18?
A: Progress M-18 was a Russian uncrewed cargo spacecraft designed to resupply space stations. It carried supplies, fuel, and other materials to support missions in orbit.

### Q: Which rocket launched Progress M-18?
A: Progress M-18 was launched aboard a Soyuz-U2 rocket from Gagarin's Start on May 22, 1993.

### Q: When did Progress M-18 re-enter Earth's atmosphere?
A: Progress M-18 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on July 4, 1993.

### Q: What is the significance of Progress M-18's SCN number?
A: The SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) 22666 is assigned by the United States Space Command to track and identify satellites in orbit.

### Q: How long was Progress M-18 in orbit?
A: Progress M-18 remained in orbit for approximately 43 days, from its launch on May 22, 1993, to its deorbit on July 4, 1993.

## Why It Matters
Progress M-18 played a crucial role in the Russian space program by delivering essential supplies to space stations. As part of the Progress-M series, it was designed to support long-duration missions by providing fuel, oxygen, water, and other critical resources. Its successful launch and operation demonstrated the reliability of the Soyuz-U2 rocket and the Progress spacecraft, contributing to the sustained presence of humans in space. The spacecraft's re-entry marked the end of its mission, but its contributions to space resupply efforts were significant.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: Progress M-18 was part of the Progress-M series, which was an evolution of earlier Progress spacecraft, featuring improved systems and capabilities.
- **Reliable resupply**: It successfully delivered cargo to space stations, ensuring the continuous operation of missions in orbit.
- **Efficient deorbit**: The spacecraft was designed to safely re-enter Earth's atmosphere, minimizing risks to populated areas.
- **Support for space exploration**: Progress M-18 contributed to the broader goals of space exploration by enabling sustained human presence in space.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Progress M-18 was launched on May 22, 1993, aboard a Soyuz-U2 rocket from Gagarin's Start. It was part of the Progress-M series, which was developed to enhance the capabilities of earlier Progress spacecraft. The spacecraft was equipped with advanced systems to deliver supplies, fuel, and other materials to space stations.

### Launch and Orbit
The Soyuz-U2 rocket successfully placed Progress M-18 into orbit, where it began its mission to resupply space stations. The spacecraft was tracked using the COSPAR ID 1993-034A and the SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) 22666. These identifiers are used by the international space community to monitor and catalog satellites.

### Deorbit and Re-Entry
After completing its mission, Progress M-18 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on July 4, 1993. The spacecraft was designed to safely deorbit, ensuring that any remaining components posed minimal risk to populated areas. This marked the end of Progress M-18's operational life but highlighted its role in supporting space exploration.

### Significance
Progress M-18 was notable for its contributions to the Russian space program. As part of the Progress-M series, it represented an advancement in spacecraft design and functionality. The spacecraft's successful launch and operation demonstrated the reliability of the Soyuz-U2 rocket and the Progress spacecraft, which were crucial for maintaining a continuous human presence in space.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report