Russian satellite stalked ICEYE spacecraft in potentially dangerous on-orbit maneuvers

Automatically curated summary from Breaking Defense.

According to space-tracking firm LeoLabs, the Russian satellite Cosmos 2612 executed potentially dangerous on-orbit maneuvers, approaching within approximately 500 meters (about a third of a mile) of the US-flagged ICEYE-X36 spacecraft. The ICEYE-X36 satellite is believed to be supporting Ukraine. The close approach underscores growing concerns regarding close-proximity orbital operations involving satellites associated with active geopolitical conflicts and military reconnaissance support.

Context and limitations

Claims are based on tracking data attributed to LeoLabs. The statement that ICEYE-X36 supports Ukraine is characterized as a belief rather than a confirmed fact, and the brief feed excerpt lacks official responses from U.S. or Russian authorities.