Russian Satellite Makes Dangerous Approach to US Craft in Orbit

A Russian satellite maneuvered within hundreds of meters of a U.S.-registered commercial radar spacecraft over the weekend, held position nearby, then pulled away, according to orbital-tracking company LeoLabs.

The encounter involved Kosmos 2612 and ICEYE-X36, part of a satellite constellation that supplies imagery to Ukraine’s armed forces.

Russia’s purpose remains unknown, and the maneuvers do not show an intent to attack.

LeoLabs estimated that the Russian spacecraft came within roughly 500 meters during part of the encounter.

Repeated orbital adjustments and difficult tracking conditions made the precise separation uncertain.

“While the intent remains uncertain, the behavior warrants continued monitoring,” the company said.

Close Approach and Withdrawal

Kosmos 2612 began adjusting its orbit toward ICEYE-X36 on September 30.

On October 15, it accelerated its approach, reducing the separation from about 350 kilometers to less than 5 kilometers by early October 16, according to LeoLabs.

The Russian satellite then repeatedly adjusted its position to remain close throughout the weekend.

“It was doing a lot of maneuvers to maintain that position of that close approach,” said Adam Marsh, LeoLabs’ vice president of technical solutions.

ICEYE-X36 did not take evasive action, Marsh said. Such maneuvers could have increased collision risk.

Late Sunday, Kosmos 2612 shifted into a slightly higher orbit and began falling behind.

By Monday afternoon, the spacecraft were more than 250 miles apart, with the gap widening by about 10 miles an hour, LeoLabs data showed.

Commercial Satellites Under Scrutiny

ICEYE, headquartered in Finland, operates a U.S. subsidiary, and ICEYE-X36 is registered in the United States.

Its radar technology lets it collect high-resolution imagery at night and in adverse weather.

The company expanded Ukraine’s access to its satellite data under a contract announced in January.

Whether ICEYE-X36 itself supports Ukrainian military operations was not immediately clear, CNN reported.

“We are aware of the situation and tracking it closely,” ICEYE said. “Our constellation architecture is designed for continuity and resilience.”

Kosmos 2612 was among six satellites launched aboard a Soyuz rocket in April. Russia disclosed no details about their missions.

LeoLabs said the maneuvers demonstrated capabilities potentially suited to intelligence gathering, inspection, interference, or preparations for future operations against spacecraft.

They could also signal coercive intent.

A June report by the U.K.-based Royal United Services Institute identified intimidation and communications jamming as possible objectives of Russian approaches to ICEYE satellites.