Russian military satellite approaches close to satellite supplying Ukraine imagery
A Russian satellite's close approach to a commercial radar satellite supplying imagery to Ukraine has drawn alarmed coverage from outlets monitoring space activity.
What happened
The Russian military satellite Cosmos 2612 came into very close proximity with ICEYE-X36, a commercial radar imaging satellite, according to space-tracking firm LeoLabs.12
ICEYE-X36 is operated by ICEYE, a company described by outlets as Finnish-American or U.S.-registered, which supplies satellite imagery used by Ukraine.13
The Hindu reported that Cosmos-2612 repeatedly altered its orbit to approach the satellite.3
The Hindu reported that Cosmos-2612 repeatedly changed its orbit to approach ICEYE-X36.3
Key points
- The Russian military satellite Cosmos 2612 approached ICEYE-X36, a radar imaging satellite, at very close range.123
- ICEYE-X36 is operated by ICEYE, a company whose imagery supplies data used by Ukraine.13
- ICEYE-X36 has ties to both Finland and the United States: Meduza describes ICEYE as Finnish-American, while The Hindu describes the satellite as registered in the U.S.13
- Space-tracking source LeoLabs reported that Cosmos 2612 closed in on ICEYE-X36 from hundreds of kilometers away to what it called extreme proximity.12
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed reported a response from Russian officials or the Russian space agency.
- None of the outlets reviewed reported a response from ICEYE or confirmation of any interference with the satellite's operation.
- None of the outlets reviewed specified the exact distance reached between the two satellites.
Sources (3)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
North America
- 2Ars TechnicaUSPrivate
Russian spacecraft maneuvers in "extreme proximity" to satellite used by Ukraine
Europe
South Asia
- 3The HinduINPrivate
Russian military satellite stalks U.S. radar satellite in orbit