tech
Four Russian satellites are now within striking distance of an ICEYE radarsat
“This capability is not common for satellites conducting typical missions.”
TL;DR
- Four Russian military satellites (Kosmos 2610-2613) adjusted their orbits to fly near a commercial radar surveillance satellite, ICEYE-X36.
- The orbital maneuvers required significant fuel, indicating a deliberate and energy-intensive action.
- This positioning allows the Russian satellites to potentially conduct Rendezvous Proximity Operations (RPO) with ICEYE-X36.
- ICEYE-X36 is part of a constellation providing radar imagery to the US military, European governments, and Ukraine's military.
- The article notes that similar Russian maneuvers have been observed with US spy satellites, leading to speculation about anti-satellite capabilities.