A recent Defense Intelligence Agency report outlines a series of incidents where Russian military satellites have approached U.S. national security satellites, including a recent close encounter between Cosmos 2612 and ICEYE-X36. The report highlights similar incidents over the past decade and indicates that Russia is developing anti-satellite capabilities, which could threaten global satellite operations. It also notes that while China is expanding its space capabilities, there are no indications of plans to develop nuclear anti-satellite weapons.
Key facts
- Cosmos 2612 approached ICEYE-X36, a satellite operated by Finnish company ICEYE.
- The DIA report details several incidents involving Russian satellites over the past decade.
- In 2019, Cosmos 2542 followed a U.S. national security satellite and fired a projectile in 2020.
- Russia is developing a satellite designed to carry a nuclear weapon.
- China has significantly expanded its satellite fleet and launches in recent years.
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