Is Russia stalking satellites which help Ukraine from space?
Summary
A Russian military satellite moved very close to a US-operated commercial radar satellite that provides intelligence to Ukraine, according to space tracking data. This is an unusual move because Russian satellites usually track Western military satellites, not commercial ones.Key Facts
- The Russian satellite Cosmos 2612 approached the US-registered ICEYE-X36 satellite, which provides radar images potentially used by Ukraine.
- Cosmos 2612 came as close as about 500 meters to ICEYE-X36, after months of maneuvering.
- ICEYE is a Finnish company whose satellite imagery has supported Ukraine since 2022.
- In response, ICEYE moved its satellite, which led to further movements from the Russian side.
- Similar close approaches have happened before but usually involved military satellites, not commercial ones.
- Russian interference with Western space systems has increased since the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
- Russia has indicated it may consider some commercial satellites as legitimate targets due to their role in military operations.
- Close proximity maneuvers in space are rare and can be seen as attempts to track or disrupt satellite operations.
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