Map Shows How Russian Military Satellite Got Within Meters of US Spacecraft
Summary
A Russian military satellite, Kosmos-2612, came very close to a Finnish-U.S. satellite called ICEYE-X36, which provides intelligence to Ukraine. Experts say this close approach, called "shadowing," may be a way for Russia to watch or gather information from the Western satellite without permission.Key Facts
- Kosmos-2612 approached the ICEYE-X36 satellite, getting as close as about 8.8 to 26 meters (29 to 85 feet).
- This close approach is unusual because satellites usually do not come this close without permission.
- The satellites moved in similar orbits at very slow relative speed, supporting the idea of shadowing or following.
- Shadowing can allow a satellite to observe or interfere with another satellite’s operations.
- ICEYE-X36 is a U.S.-Finnish satellite used for gathering intelligence, including supporting Ukraine.
- Russian satellites have made similar moves near Western satellites earlier in 2024, raising security concerns.
- There are currently no international rules about how close one satellite can get to another.
- This incident highlights the need for clearer space security and behavior rules.
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