Russian Satellite's Close Shadowing of Radar Imaging Satellite Is a Big Deal
Longtime Slashdot reader schwit1 shares a report from TWZ: A Russian satellite, Kosmos 2612, may have passed within approximately 85 feet (26 meters) of a U.S.-registered satellite belonging to commercial imagery provider ICEYE. This would be an extraordinarily close and potentially dangerous pass-by for two objects in space traveling at thousands of miles per hour. For weeks beforehand,…
A Russian satellite, Kosmos 2612, may have approached a U.S.-registered satellite, ICEYE X36, in an exceptionally close manner, posing a significant risk in the realm of space. This event has raised concerns about the escalating potential for conflict in space. The two satellites were locked in an unusually close orbit, with Kosmos 2612 and ICEYE X36 coming as close as approximately 500 meters (1,640 feet) of each other.
This phenomenon, known as a Red on Blue engagement, is a rare occurrence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and is commonly associated with sophisticated rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO). Although it is difficult to determine the exact intentions behind this operation, experts believe it could have been aimed at either intimidation or, in the worst-case scenario, destruction or sabotage of the U.S.-registered satellite.
Though the satellites have since drifted apart, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing tensions and risks in space.
Written by urgent.news from Slashdot's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
