Kosmos 2612 closes in on ICEYE-X36 in claimed unconsented LEO rendezvous
TechnologyUnverifiedUpdated:
A Russian spacecraft reportedly approached and lingered near ICEYE-X36, a US-operated commercial imaging satellite whose constellation supplies imagery to Ukraine, in what analysts described as an unconsented close rendezvous in low-Earth orbit.
A reported approach within 500 meters
According to LeoLabs, the Russian spacecraft Kosmos 2612 made a deliberate series of maneuvers toward ICEYE-X36, held close proximity, changed relative positions, and later moved away. The article says the two satellites came within 500 meters and possibly closer, citing LeoLabs.
The article distinguishes the described controlled operation from chance, high-speed satellite passes and from prior tests involving a country's own satellites. It does not provide an independently verified baseline for this event.
LeoLabs described Kosmos 2612 as approaching ICEYE-X36 from hundreds of kilometers away, maneuvering around it, remaining nearby, and then departing. Analysts cited by the article characterized it as the first known unconsented rendezvous between two active satellites in low-Earth orbit.
Proximity operations without the owner’s consent
The reported operation involved an active commercial satellite rather than a spacecraft operating with its owner's consent. ICEYE-X36 is owned by ICEYE US, and ICEYE satellites provide imagery to military users including Ukraine.
Sources
- Ars TechnicaRussian spacecraft maneuvers in "extreme proximity" to satellite used by UkraineRead source →