Russian #KOSMOS 2612 satellite is now within 1-2 km of #ICEYE-X36.

[william]

According to current orbital elements, the Russian #KOSMOS 2612 satellite is now within 1-2 km of #ICEYE-X36. Based on current elements, it might come within meters of the latter within a few hours from now. This is an #RPO without consent.

This behaviour is worrisome. ICEYE-X36 is a US registered SAR satellite reportedly used by Ukraine. I wonder if we are watching a first actual ASAT developing in Space. Let us see what happens tonight and the days after.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2111516438259466380

https://twitter.com/x/status/2111501751761392098

• Russian Kosmos 2612 has maneuvered since late September to match ICEYE-X36's orbital period, altitude, and eccentricity, bringing the satellites within 1-2 km and potentially meters apart based on current TLEs.
• ICEYE-X36 is a US-registered SAR satellite providing all-weather imaging reportedly supporting Ukraine's military operations.
• The non-consensual RPO highlights risks of in-orbit interference or ASAT development, where damage to ICEYE-X36 would be hard to attribute definitively amid high relative speeds in LEO. Grok

Russian #KOSMOS 2612 satellite is now within 1-2 km of #ICEYE-X36. - Bing

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