Russia’s Kosmos 2612 has adjusted its orbit to match that of ICEYE-X36
A Russian military satellite has manoeuvred into close proximity with a commercial radar-imaging satellite linked to Ukraine’s military, raising concerns that Moscow could be monitoring or potentially interfering with Western space assets. The unusual orbital manoeuvres were tracked by S2A Systems, which operates systems for space situational awareness, bringing the movements of the two spacecraft under scrutiny. Space-security specialists have raised questions about the Russian satellite’s intentions, although it remains unclear whether the manoeuvres are intended for surveillance, interference or another purpose. The incident highlights growing concerns over the security of commercial satellites that provide intelligence and surveillance capabilities during conflicts, as space-based assets play an increasingly important role in modern warfare.