Russian satellites shadow Ukraine-linked ICEYE spacecraft, German general warns
Russian military satellites maneuvered near a spacecraft operated by Finnish company ICEYE, which supplies intelligence imagery to Ukraine, demonstrating capabilities that could threaten SpaceX's Starlink network, Germany's space commander Maj. Gen. Michael Traut told Reuters on Oct. 9.
German General Michael Traut warned that Russian military satellites shadowing ICEYE, a Finnish company providing Ukraine with intelligence imagery, could threaten SpaceX's Starlink network. In May 2026, four Russian military satellites moved close to a commercial radar-imaging satellite, according to the U.S. Space Force. Traut noted that Russia could disrupt satellite systems using gray-zone tactics, not involving direct attacks.
In a hypothetical scenario, if a Russian satellite entered Starlink's orbital path and broke apart, other satellites would have to perform collision-avoidance maneuvers, consuming extra fuel and shortening their operational lifespans. ICEYE CEO Rafal Modrzewski stated that his company had to reposition its satellite, prompting further maneuvers by the Russian spacecraft.
This incident demonstrates the close proximity of satellites for surveillance or potential damage. Western military officials have observed a significant increase in Russian interference with Western space systems since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including ground-based signal jamming and orbital maneuvers aimed at gathering intelligence.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
