Russian military satellite manoeuvres near a commercial radar-imaging satellite earlier this year have raised concerns among Western defence officials about potential threats to commercial space infrastructure, including Elon Musk’s Starlink network, which has become an important source of battlefield communications and intelligence support for Ukraine.
Germany’s Space Command chief, Major General Michael Traut, told Reuters that four Russian military satellites, identified as Cosmos 2610, Cosmos 2611, Cosmos 2612 and Cosmos 2613, moved close to a commercial radar-imaging satellite in May. The US Space Force reported the manoeuvres, while Finnish satellite operator ICEYE confirmed that one of its satellites was involved in the incident.
ICEYE supplies radar-imaging data to the United States and its allies. Its satellite imagery has been used to support monitoring and battlefield intelligence, including activities connected to the war in Ukraine.
Traut described the Russian spacecraft as having pursued the ICEYE satellite and warned that similar capabilities, if directed towards a large satellite constellation such as Starlink, could affect the operational lifespan of satellites and the quality of services provided to users.
He cautioned that interference with commercial satellite networks would not necessarily require a direct physical attack. Close-proximity manoeuvres, surveillance and other forms of interference could potentially disrupt operations or force satellites to change their trajectories.
The incident highlights growing concerns among Western military officials about the vulnerability of commercial space infrastructure as armed forces increasingly rely on privately operated satellite networks for communications, intelligence gathering and operational coordination.
Russian ‘Grey-Zone’ Tactics Could Disrupt Satellite Operations
Traut said Russia could use so-called “grey-zone” tactics to create operational difficulties for satellite operators without launching an overt attack. In one hypothetical scenario, a Russian satellite could move into the orbital path of a Starlink spacecraft and subsequently break apart, forcing nearby satellites to conduct avoidance manoeuvres.
Such manoeuvres consume fuel and can shorten the operational lives of satellites, potentially increasing maintenance and replacement requirements across a constellation. Repeated disruptions could also affect the reliability and continuity of services available to users.
Two other Western officials cited in the report also expressed concern about the implications of Russian satellite activity for Starlink, the world’s largest satellite constellation.
The precise capabilities of the four Cosmos satellites have not been publicly disclosed by Russia. However, the close-proximity manoeuvres have raised questions about whether such activity is intended to gather intelligence, test potential interference techniques or signal the ability to operate near Western space assets.
Belinda Marchand, chief scientist at US space intelligence company Slingshot Aerospace, said the manoeuvres near ICEYE’s satellite could have been intended for surveillance, preparation for possible future interference or demonstration of Russian capabilities.
ICEYE Chief Executive Rafal Modrzewski said the company subsequently moved its satellite, prompting further manoeuvres by the Russian spacecraft. He highlighted the growing ability of satellites to approach one another in orbit, whether to observe other spacecraft or potentially cause harm.
The episode, he indicated, reinforces the importance of monitoring activity in orbit and developing appropriate measures to protect commercial satellite infrastructure.
Starlink’s Role in Ukraine Raises Strategic Concerns
The concerns surrounding Russian satellite activity come as Western militaries increasingly depend on commercial satellite networks for essential services. Starlink has played a significant role in maintaining communications in Ukraine during the war, making the resilience of commercial space infrastructure a strategic consideration for Kyiv and its international partners.
Western military officials have reported an increase in Russian interference with space systems since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The reported activities include ground-based signal jamming and satellites following or approaching Western spacecraft in orbit.
Russia has previously warned that commercial Western satellites assisting Ukraine could become legitimate targets for retaliation. Moscow has also denied responsibility for sabotage operations attributed to it in NATO countries.
Russia’s defence ministry did not respond to questions about the satellite manoeuvres described in the report, while SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment.
The incident underscores the challenge of protecting privately operated satellites that support military and civilian activities without turning every potentially hostile manoeuvre into a direct confrontation.
Germany Expands Its Space Defence Capabilities
Germany is developing additional capabilities to monitor and respond to potential threats in orbit. Traut said the country was developing inspector satellites and considering orbital systems capable of disrupting hostile space activities without physically destroying the targeted spacecraft.
Such technologies could provide military planners with additional options for monitoring suspicious activity and responding to threats while limiting the debris generated by destructive anti-satellite weapons.
Germany’s armed forces have also awarded a contract to ICEYE and a German company to build dozens of satellites. The planned systems are intended to strengthen Germany’s space capabilities, particularly in support of NATO’s eastern flank.
The growing investment reflects broader European efforts to improve space surveillance and protect critical infrastructure as satellites become increasingly important to defence, communications and intelligence operations.
The Russian manoeuvres near the ICEYE satellite demonstrate how close-proximity operations can create uncertainty even without a confirmed attack. For Western governments and commercial operators, the challenge will be to improve monitoring, resilience and defensive capabilities while ensuring that satellite networks remain reliable for both civilian and military users.
Disclaimer: This report has been editorially prepared using publicly available information and official statements. Readers are advised to refer to official announcements for further details.
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