Orbital Interception: Russian Satellites Approach ICEYE-X36
Unusual activity of Russian 'Kosmos' series satellites has been recorded in Earth's orbit. Four devices launched on April 16 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome via a Soyuz-2.1b rocket (Kosmos-2610 to Kosmos-2613) synchronously changed their orbital inclination. This was reported by Ixbt.com .
Experts note that such maneuvers require significant energy and fuel consumption. Typically, these actions are performed for a specific purpose: to reach the same trajectory as the target object. Currently, the Russian devices are located at distances ranging from 500 meters to 22 kilometers from the ICEYE-X36 satellite, which belongs to Finland and the USA.
The ICEYE-X36 device is part of a radar Earth observation system. These types of satellites can capture detailed surface images with a resolution of up to 16 centimeters, regardless of weather or time of day. The company ICEYE actively collaborates with various state and commercial entities.
According to Integrity ISR expert Greg Gillinger, the movements of the Russian devices may be related to 'proximity operations.' This practice is used for satellite inspection, surveillance, or testing precise orbital maneuvering technologies. So far, no direct interference with ICEYE-X36 has been recorded.
