Russian satellite manoeuvres near Ukraine-linked imaging craft

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 09:57 · Archive

A Russian military satellite moved to within 500 metres of a US-operated Earth-imaging satellite used by Ukraine, according to orbital intelligence analysts.

A Russian military satellite conducted a controlled approach to within 500 metres of a US-operated Earth-imaging satellite used by Ukraine, according to the orbital intelligence company LeoLabs. Kosmos 2612 closed from hundreds of kilometres away to extreme proximity of ICEYE-X36 over South America over the weekend, made small adjustments to maintain a close relative position, and then began moving away on Monday.

LeoLabs said the manoeuvre was not routine. The Russian satellite conducted a deliberate sequence that included controlled approach, changes in relative position, close-proximity loitering, additional small maneuvers, and a controlled departure. The proximity was so close that the two spacecraft occasionally became difficult to distinguish independently, according to LeoLabs' tracking.

Kosmos 2612 was one of six satellites launched from northern Russia in April, at least four of which adjusted their orbits to line up with ICEYE-X36 in the weeks following launch. The situation remained stable until last week, when the Russian craft began rapidly moving toward the imaging satellite. LeoLabs said the reason for the manoeuvre is unclear, but the behaviour is consistent with rendezvous and proximity operations. The company noted that while hostile intent is uncertain, the manoeuvre could indicate Moscow was attempting to inspect, characterize, shadow or potentially interfere with the spacecraft, or to conduct intelligence collection and prepare for future counterspace operations. LeoLabs said the incident warrants continued monitoring.

How it is being reported

• Russian military satellite 'moves within 85 feet of another used to provide Ukraine with intelligence' in worrying Star Wars escalationUS space technology company LeoLabs said Moscow's Kosmos 2612 had shifted to being in 'extreme proximity' of Kyiv-linked Iceye's X36 satellite over South America.Daily Mail · 20 Oct, 09:36
• Russian spacecraft maneuvers in "extreme proximity" to satellite used by Ukraine"Kosmos 2612 closed from hundreds of kilometers away to extreme proximity to ICEYE-X36."Ars Technica · 19 Oct, 21:54

In this story: Kosmos 2612 · ICEYE-X36 · Russia · Ukraine · LeoLabs · South America

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem