Russian military satellite maneuvers within miles of US radar spacecraft linked to Ukraine

A Russian military satellite executed an unapproved close approach toward a U.S.-operated commercial imaging satellite in low-Earth orbit. According to tracking firm LeoLabs, Kosmos 2612 closed in from hundreds of kilometers away to within roughly 3 miles (5 km) or less of ICEYE-X36, a radar satellite in a 545-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit whose fleet provides imagery to Ukraine. [1][2]

The Russian craft carried out repeated propulsion burns between September 30 and October 16 to match the altitude and orbital path of ICEYE-X36, at one point stationkeeping nearby before beginning to move away. Astronomer Jonathan McDowell noted this may mark the first non-consensual low-Earth orbit rendezvous between two active spacecraft. While nations typically maintain at least 6 miles of separation, the close encounter consumed significant fuel and occurred without the operator's permission. [1][2]

Western defense officials and independent analysts suspect the maneuvers are intended to spy on ICEYE's radar capabilities, test Western tolerance, or prepare for potential future interference. Kosmos 2612 is one of several military satellites launched by Russia on a Soyuz rocket in April that have adjusted their paths to track ICEYE spacecraft, and analysts caution additional close approaches may occur in November. [1][2]