Kosmos 16 (Russian: Космос 16 meaning Cosmos 16) or Zenit-2 No.10 was a Soviet optical film-return reconnaissance satellite which was launched in 1963.

In addition to reconnaissance, it was also used for research into radiation in support of the Vostok programme.

The launch took place at 09:36:00 GMT on 28 April 1963, using Site 1/5 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

[2] A malfunction of the spacecraft's attitude control system resulted in the satellite being able to return only some of the images, due to the failure of the engine block stabilisation system.

[6] Its return capsule descended under a parachute and was recovered by the Soviet forces in the steppe in Kazakhstan.