Russia's military satellite Cosmos-2612 approached the commercial radar imaging satellite ICEYE-X36 following a series of orbital maneuvers. Space-tracking specialists believe the close approach was deliberate, although its purpose remains unknown.
According to independent observers, the Russian spacecraft began adjusting its orbit on September 30. Subsequent maneuvers brought it closer to ICEYE-X36's orbital altitude and orbital plane.
On October 17, space monitoring company LeoLabs estimated the distance between the satellites at approximately 4.8 kilometers. Dutch satellite-tracking specialist Marco Langbroek later reported a separation of around one to two kilometers.
Further analysis suggested that the spacecraft may have passed within several hundred meters of one another on October 18. However, uncertainties in publicly available orbital data prevent a reliable determination of their minimum separation.
ICEYE-X36 is a radar imaging satellite operated by ICEYE, a company founded in Finland. ICEYE's satellite observation technology is used to support Ukraine, but the company has not confirmed that this particular satellite is involved in Ukrainian military operations.
Langbroek said he had found no indication in the available orbital data that the spacecraft had been damaged following the encounter. However, only the satellite's operators can confirm that it remains fully operational.
Specialists have considered several possible explanations for the Russian satellite's maneuvers, including surveillance of another spacecraft and a demonstration of technical capabilities.
No conclusive evidence has been presented that Cosmos-2612 attempted to physically attack or disable ICEYE-X36.
Sources: Analysis by Marco Langbroek, LeoLabs, AeroTime.