Russian military satellite came dangerously close to ICEYE device transmitting data to Ukraine: what are the risks?

The Russian military satellite “Kosmos-2612” on October 19 came within 26 meters of the X36 radar of the Finnish-American company ICEYE, which provides Ukraine with satellite images for military needs. Such a close approach poses a risk of collision and could force operators to adjust the satellite’s orbit.

This is reported by The Moscow Times .

According to the American company LeoLabs and Dutch satellite researcher Marco Langbroek, the distance between the devices was between 1 and 5 kilometers on October 17. Over the next 2 days, the Russian satellite continued to maneuver near X36.

Space expert Georgy Trishkin noted that the relative speed of the spacecraft was almost zero. This means that they were moving at almost the same speed, remaining at a dangerously close distance.

According to the expert, such maneuvers could force the operators of the X36 satellite to adjust its orbit more often. This requires additional fuel and could potentially shorten the device’s service life. At the same time, there is no evidence that the Russian satellite’s goal is to deplete its fuel reserves.

Michael Bonnert, a military expert at the RAND Corporation, a think tank, called the actions a show of force and “space bullying.” He also warned that a possible collision could create debris that would threaten other satellites in orbit.

This is not the first time that Russian spacecraft have come close to the X36 satellite. In May, four Russian satellites came close to it, forcing ICEYE to adjust its orbit.

ICEYE specializes in radar satellite surveillance, which allows for images of the Earth’s surface regardless of the time of day or cloud cover. Its data is used, in particular, to provide intelligence information to the Ukrainian military.

Let us remind you that in about six months, Russia will be able to control drones and missiles over Ukraine in “online” mode using its own satellite system “Rassvet”.

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