Cosmos 1818

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General

Designation	17369 / 87011A
Launch date	1 Feb 1987
Country of origin	CIS
Mission	Military: ocean reconnaissance ( Rorsat)
Perigee/Apogee	785/804 km
Inclination	65°
Period	100 min
Launch vehicle	Cyclone 2
Launch site	Tyuratam

Has a Topaz 1 nuclear reactor.

On 4 Jul 2008, fragmentation took place, creating at least 30 pieces. Cause of the event is unknown. Worse scenario would be a break in the coolant tube, releasing sodium-potassium drops.

Should fall back to earth in 2045.

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