Key facts
- A Russian satellite, Cosmos-2612, passed within 100 meters of the European spacecraft ICEYE-X36.
- ICEYE-X36 is operated by Finland's ICEYE under contract with the United States.
Russian satellite's close approach to European spacecraft highlights orbital risks
IN SHORT
A Russian military satellite, Cosmos-2612, came within 100 meters of the European commercial spacecraft ICEYE-X36 over the weekend. The close encounter has raised concerns about Russia's activities in orbit and the potential risks to space assets.
Key Numbers
100 metersRussian satellite passed within this distance of European spacecraft
Who's Involved
Cosmos-2612
Russian military satellite that made a close approach
ICEYE-X36
European commercial spacecraft that was approached
ICEYE
Finnish operator of ICEYE-X36
Russia
Nation that launched Cosmos-2612
United States
Nation with a contract for ICEYE-X36
↳ Why This Matters
The close proximity of a Russian military satellite to a European commercial spacecraft, which supports Ukraine's military, raises concerns about potential risks to space assets and the security of orbital operations.