Russian satellite’s close approach to European spacecraft highlights orbital risks
Cosmos-2612 deliberately adjusted its orbit to shadow a Finnish-operated satellite that provides imagery to Ukraine
A Russian satellite moved within just 100 metres of a European commercial spacecraft that supports Ukraine’s military at the weekend, orbital tracking data showed, raising concerns about Moscow’s activities in space.
Russia launched the Cosmos-2612 military satellite into low Earth orbit in April.
It began changing course late September and eventually moved into the same orbit as ICEYE-X36, a satellite operated by Finland’s ICEYE under contract with the United States.
The two spacecraft came within 100 metres of each other on October 18, according to orbital tracking data analysed by Agence France-Presse.
