russian satellite appears be stalking us

One reason is that this is a military satellite with a non-publically disclosed mission. I want to know, and Im sure the Russians have the exact same reaction. By hovering next to it in space, the Russian satellite might be able to snap a few pictures of it to make note of any details, such as its antenna or a possible telescope. Presumably, it has some kind of sensor system thats optimized to observe other satellites, rather than the sort of usual observing satellite thats optimized to take pictures of the ground, Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, also told Gizmodo. A Russian satellite appears to be stalking a classified US military satellite in a cat-and-mouse chase. If Kosmos-2558 is the inspector it seems to be, designed specifically to stalk and probably gather data on USA-326, then it's probably getting even better imagery. His tweet suggests the satellite was launched as a payload on the Soyuz-2.1v rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. And those rumors are unlikely to die down anytime soon. In a recent interview with NBC News, James . "We see that it's in a similar orbit to one of our high-value assets for the US government.". A second Russian satellite, Kosmos 2542, was pursuing USA 245, an electro-optical espionage satellite in low Earth orbit, in 2020. According to McDowell's observations, Kosmos-2558 made four close passes at USA-326 in March. Instead, Janssen thinks the US satellite was just performing a routine boost to make up for the altitude it lost recently due to solar activity. Russia has launched satellite 14F150 Nivelir into orbit under a mission dubbed Kosmos-2558, and its current orbital path could soon place it in close proximity to what is reported to be the spy satellite designated USA-326. Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage! The Kosmos-2558 launch at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. ", The Russian launch today was indeed at 20:25 UTC, right at the moment the USA 326 orbital plane passed over Plesetsk (i.e. If Dr. Langbroek is correct and USA-326 is a next-generation IMINT satellite or is distinct in some other capacity like being a follow-on to KH-11, it could help explain why Russia would want to, at the very least, get a closer look at it. The Russian Kosmos-2558 is Stalking the American USA - 326: What Could Russian inspection satellite appears to be stalking US spy satellite in In 2019, a small Russian satellite maneuvered threateningly close to a U.S. national security satellite and released a projectile in an on-orbit anti-satellite weapons test that Space Force General David Thompson later said was clearly an example of Russia sending a message. Earlier in 1998, hobbyists discovered a U.S. satellite that was believed to have been used for space spying purposes as well. Whatever the case, it appears both satellites will come into close contact at some point on August 4th, 2022. Newly Launched Russian Spy Satellite Might Be Stalking a US - Reddit So that is a very clear indication.. Mike Wall is the author of "Out There" (Grand Central Publishing, 2018; illustrated by Karl Tate), a book about the search for alien life. The US, Russia, and China Are Testing Orbital Vulnerabilities, USA 276, a secret U.S. military satellite. The Russian satellite Kosmos-2558, launched in August last year, has frequently come close to the American military satellite USA-326, which the Pentagon said is meant to gather intelligence via "overhead reconnaissance". He primarily covers exoplanets, spaceflight and military space, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. Space stalking has happened before, with the U.S. sometimes being the culprit. In his interview withGizmodo, he stated that the two orbits appear to be fairly close, with the major variation "being a relatively small difference of a few tens of kilometers in orbital altitude. The last of which subsequently deployed an additional three subsatellites that were launched in the summer and fall of 2017. For reference, the Center for Astrophysics is a collaborative effort run jointly by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Harvard College Observatory. That's usually for satellites that travel over the polar regions of the globe so their orbital paths are synchronous with the Sun. Then, in 2020, a US Space Force general reported that two mysterious Russian satellites were tailing a US spy satellite. The Russian. 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Russian satellite appears to be stalking US spy satellite in space All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. A Russian inspection satellite has recently synchronised its orbit with USA 245. Russia's launch made no apparent attempt to hide the close orbital proximity between the two satellites, and its difficult to see why Kosmos-5228 would have been deployed if not to be near USA-326. Langbroek will be tracking the two satellites in orbit over the next couple of days to see if they make a rather uncomfortable close approach. A graduate student at . A Russian satellite called Kosmos 2542 made a series of maneuvers in late January to get closer to the National Reconnaissance Office satellite USA 245. "The approach distance is ~75 km [47 miles]; almost all of that (73 km [45 miles]) is in altitude.". Michael Thompson. "And that's for a satellite that's not designed to look at other satellites. Copyright 2023 Business Insider Nederland. Dickinson added that the US would continue to track the Russian spacecraft. A U.S. satellite that was allegedly also utilized for space espionage was found earlier in 1998 by amateurs. China has also sent up its own inspector satellites, which the country says have been used to monitor its own equipment in geostationary orbit. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. 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Independent analyst Dr. Marco Langbroek, a lecturer for optical space situational awareness at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, has gone on to speculate about the type of satellite that USA-326 may be. Then, in 2020, a US Space Force general reported that two mysterious Russian satellites were tailing a US spy satellite. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider We may earn a commission from links on this page. Lets explore its mysteries togetherjoin Pop Mech Pro. But they dont really have a right to complain because theres no rule against it. That is unless a satellite gets dangerously close to another satellite, he explained, with a potential risk of collision. It was designed to look at the Earth.". A second Russian satellite, Kosmos 2542, was . On January 20, something rather strange happened in orbit. A satellite communications system serving the Russian military was knocked offline by a cyberattack late Wednesday and remained mostly down on Thursday, in an incident reminiscent of an attack on . The Russian satellite Kosmos-2558, launched in August last year, has frequently come close to the American military satellite USA-326, which the Pentagon said is meant to gather intelligence via "overhead reconnaissance". But it's not clear that the US satellite was running away. 2023 Recurrent Ventures. McDowell does not expect that Kosmos-2558 will maneuver within 50 km of USA 326 as an observational mission can be accomplished from outside that distance, but that doesn't change the fact that the threat to U.S. orbital systems is growing very quickly, which you can continue to read more about in this past War Zone piece here. This new satellite also appears to have a maneuvering engine system, which will allow it to adjust its orbit in various ways, explained McDowell. Mysterious Russian spacecraft appears to be STALKING a US spy satellite after manoeuvring into a new orbit around EarthA Russian inspection satellite has recently synchronised its orbit with USA 245Student blogger tweets movements of satellites based on publicly available dataCosmos 2542 was launched with the aim of inspecting only Russian satellites But it's feared the Russian craft could be . A place for major news from around the world, excluding US-internal news. Cosmos 2542, a Russian inspection satellite, has recently synchronised its orbit with USA 245, a US spy spacecraft. He also claimed that this kind of Russian satellite has previously been deployed to monitor satellites in orbit. "It's *possible* this was an evasive burn but not *likely* in my current opinion," he said in a follow-up email. Its a new model, and its of interest because we dont know much about it, McDowell explained. RUSSIA has launched a space probe that could be an attempt to stalk a US spy satellite, according to reports. "That's really irresponsible behavior," Gen. James H. Dickinson, commander of US Space Command, told NBC News after Russia launched Kosmos-2558. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Astronomers Could Soon Get Warnings When SpaceX Satellites Threaten Their View, Three Astronauts May Be Stranded on the ISS After Disturbing Soyuz Coolant Leak, Debris Squalls From Russian Anti-Satellite Test Continually Threaten SpaceXs Starlink. In his blog post, Dr. Langbroek goes on to add that there are indications from USA-326s orbital characteristics that the satellite is part of a follow-on program to the NROs KH-11 spy satellite that Russia deployed an inspector satellite named Kosmos-2542 to observe in 2020. Russia has launched satellite 14F150 Nivelir into orbit under a mission dubbed Kosmos-2558, and its current orbital path could soon place it in close proximity to what is reported to be the spy satellite designated USA-326. The Russian spacecraft, named Kosmos-2558, was launched into the same orbit as the US satellite, named USA-326, in August 2022 and has regularly flown near the American spacecraft ever since. Satellite system used by Russian military is hacked - The Washington Post This makes it mysterious, which makes it even more alluring for Russia. Russian Spacecraft Stalking U.S. Spy Satellite Sparks - Forbes Tim Newcomb is a journalist based in the Pacific Northwest. Few details are known about the military satellite, which makes it all the more intriguing for Russia. In covert space operations news, a strange Russian satellite that is apparently intended to eavesdrop on U.S. military satellites in orbit has just been launched. Dickinson added that the US would continue to track the Russian spacecraft. Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Space stalking isnt new, nor is it limited to the. In the latest development of this game of orbital hide-and-seek, the US satellite jumped to a higher orbit, climbing farther away just before Kosmos-2558 was set to pass close by again on April 7, according to hobby satellite tracker Nico Janssen. 0:03. 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An illustration of a satellite breaking up above Earth. The 14F150 Nivelir satellite was deployed into a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). This wouldnt be the first time that Russia has deployed an inspector satellite to monitor the United States' space presence either. Indeed, the Russian satellite was launched at a time that coincided with the U.S. satellite passing over the Russian spaceport Plesetsk, and both satellites orbits are just 0.04 degrees apart, according to Marco Langbroek, an astrodynamics lecturer at Delft Technical University in the Netherlands. New York, "It seems to be a program that they're experimenting with this technology," McDowell said. Could this be a new Cold War taking off in space? This would be very handy if the new Russian satellite is, indeed, some form of espionage satellite. Russian Military Satellite Appears To Be Stalking A New U.S. Spy Build the strongest argument relying on authoritative content, attorney-editor expertise, and industry defining technology. Do not reproduce without permission. Related Article: Roscosmos Says It Will Use Its ISS Part in Any Way - A Reply To NASA's Criticism Over Russian-Backed Territory Flags. Following the launch, unverified claims about the asset's intended use as an "inspector" satellite to discreetly spy on adjacent spacecraft have started to spread online. The Russian satellite was set to pass its US military target at a distance of about 31 . Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. A satellite image appears to show new facilities set up recently, at a military base southeast of Minsk, Belarus June 27, 2023 in this handout image obtained by Reuters on June 29, 2023. By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Policies You may unsubscribe at any time. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. The latter can include something as simple as using a laser to blind the optics of a spy satellite. The industry leader for online information for tax, accounting and finance professionals. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. European . The U.S. satellite could potentially move out of its Russian counterparts way or it could just stay in place and put up with the unwanted attention. June 29 (Reuters) - Satellite images of a military base southeast of the Belarus capital Minsk appear to show new facilities set up in recent days, suggesting the swift construction of a base for Wagner, the Russian mercenary company behind an abortive mutiny. Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! Russian spacecraft could move even closer to US satellite this weekend All you have to do is launch your satellite into a higher orbit than the satellites you want to observe. U.S. Officials Angry With Russia's 'Stalker' Satellite - Gizmodo The most comprehensive solution to manage all your complex and ever-expanding tax and compliance needs. A Russian satellite suddenly maneuvered itself so that it was closely shadowing a US . In the latest development of this game of orbital hide-and-seek, the US satellite jumped to a higher orbit, climbing farther away just before Kosmos-2558 was set to pass close by again on April 7, according to hobby satellite tracker Nico Janssen. This sparked rumours online that it will serve as an inspector satellite to covertly spy on nearby spacecraft. The two orbits are very close, he tells Gizmodo. If Kosmos-2558 is the inspector it seems to be, designed specifically to stalk and probably gather data on USA-326, then it's probably getting even better imagery. We see that its in a similar orbit to one of our high-value assets for the U.S. government, Dickinson said. All Rights Reserved. Russia has launched satellite 14F150 Nivelir into orbit under a mission dubbed Kosmos-2558, and its current orbital path could soon place it in close proximity to what is reported to be the spy satellite designated USA-326. A press release shared by the NRO following the initial launch claimed that NROL-87 was designed, built, and now operated by the NRO to support its overhead reconnaissance mission, which is largely centered around protecting national security through the exploitation of space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). In space, its not really illegal to stalk. Still, its exact purpose is still unknown. The Russian satellite was set to pass its US military target at a distance of about 31 kilometers on April 7, Janssen calculated. The Russian satellite, known as Kosmos 2558, was rumored to be an "inspector" craft even before it lifted off on Monday (Aug. 1), Netherlands-based satellite tracker Marco Langbroek noted in. Thats the question, McDowell added. All you have to do is launch your satellite into a higher orbit than the satellites you want to observe. A new Russian satellite, dubbed Kosmos 2558, took a ride on a Russian Soyuz-2.1v rocket on August 1, apparently destined for life as a spy satellite.Russia sent the satellite into the same orbital . Thats really irresponsible behavior, Gen. James H. Dickinson, commander of U.S. Space Command, says in a new NBC News interview. Space journalist and publisher of RussianSpaceWeb.com, Anatoly Zak, Tweeted about the launch of the probe on Monday. With the American mission spelled out, yet still vague, maybe its not a surprise that this inspector satellite from Russia would want a peek at the activities of USA 326. In 2020, a Russian satellite dubbed Kosmos 2542 stalked USA 245, an electro-optical spy satellite in low Earth orbit. Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? 29.3m members in the worldnews community. "If you imagine two athletes running around a track on slightly different lanes of the track, and one's faster than the other, every now and again one laps the other and passes close," McDowell explained. He claimed that this was a "very clear indication. A new Russian satellite has been launched and appears to be heading toward a U.S. military satellite. A Russian Military Satellite Appears to Be Stalking a New US Spy Satellite In 2020, another Russian satellite, Kosmos 2542, stalked USA 245, an electro-optical spy satellite in low Earth orbit. This wouldnt be the first time Russia sent out a spy satellite to stalk U.S. military assets in space. RUSSIA has launched a space probe that could be an attempt to stalk a US spy satellite, according to reports. A Russian Spy Satellite Is Stalking a U.S. Military Satellite, And the Pentagon Is NOT Happy, Satellite Catches Likely New Chinese Missile Sub, U.S. The Russian satellite usually passes within about 50 kilometers (31 miles) of its American target not nearly close enough to risk a collision, but close enough to probably get detailed imagery. Foto: Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies, "That's just amazing," Jonathan McDowell, a Harvard astrophysicist, told Insider about the Maxar image. While Russia, China, and the United States have been working on proposals for a robotic space vehicle (or space apparatus inspector as coined by Russia) to carry out benign inspections and repairs on-orbit and could have been the fifth object, these systems have a darker secondary potential use to manipulate and surveil adversary satellites in orbit. "The behavior of Kosmos-2558, and the lack of a formal explanation from Russia, has led space observers to believe that the probe is stalking USA-326. The orbits of the two spacecraft remain relatively close and the Russian version can change orbit as needed. He also noted that the Russian satellite is traveling in a 97.25-degree inclined orbit, whereas the American satellite is traveling in a 97.4-degree inclined Sun-synchronous orbit. A Russian 'inspector' satellite appears to be chasing a secret US Space is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Mysterious Russian spacecraft appears to be chasing US military satellite Spacecraft have spied on each other for decades. NY 10036. The Russian satellite is still a mystery. Of course, this is nothing new. The Russian satellite was launched at a time when the American satellite was traveling above the Russian spaceport of Plesetsk, according to Marco Langbroek, an astrodynamics lecturer at Delft Technical University in the Netherlands, who followed the two satellites' orbital planes. Kyiv has made "steady gains" around the Russian-held city of Bakhmut as Moscow's soldiers struggle with "poor morale . Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. To be fair, USA 326 does seem to be pretty interesting. Mysterious Russian spacecraft appears to be chasing US military satellite A Russian Soyuz rocket launches the Kosmos 2558 military satellite from Plesetsk Cosmodrome on Aug. 1, 2022. We see that its in a similar orbit to one of our high-value assets for the U.S. government.. Before its launch, the new Russian spacecraft was rumored to be an "inspector" satellite and is thought to be specifically designed to stalk other satellites to get a closer look. The Russian spacecraft, Kosmos-2558, was launched in August 2022 into the same . We dont know that for sure, were just inferring that from how its behaving. The satellite also has a maneuvering engine system, allowing it to adjust its orbit in various ways, he added. "And that's for a satellite that's not designed to look at other satellites. The two satellites are orbiting Earth in the same plane, but at different speeds, allowing Kosmos-2558 to regularly pass beneath its US target. Of course, the Russians arent advertising their intentions, and the United States hasnt volunteered to share all the ins and outs of its own spacecraft with the public, either. Addressing Russia's adversaries, Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov said . Earth is at its farthest from the sun for 2023 today, Jam packed issues filled with the latest cutting-edge research, technology and theories delivered in an entertaining and visually stunning way, aiming to educate and inspire readers of all ages, Engaging articles, breathtaking images and expert knowledge. A mysterious Russian satellite and a confidential US military satellite appear to be engaged in a cat-and-mouse chase through space. Interesting Engineeringsaid that in the past, space stalking has occasionally involved the United States as both the perpetrator and the victim. At its current trajectory, it should be able to close in on its target sometime on August 4th, 2022. Russia sent the satellite into the same orbital plane as USA 326, a classified American military satellite that launched into low-Earth orbit earlier this year via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. If the rumors are true, then the next logical question is, why has the USA 326 been singled out as its victim? A Maxar satellite, which usually images Earth, took this photo as it flew past a discarded piece of a Japanese rocket in orbit: "That's just amazing," Jonathan McDowell, a Harvard astrophysicist, told Insider about the Maxar image. Russian Military Satellite Appears To Be Stalking A New U.S. Spy On top of that, six months after Kosmos-2542 was observed "shadowing" the NRO's KH-11 spy satellite, Space Force confirmed that the Russian government had fired on-orbit projectiles during two anti-satellite weapons tests conducted in the three years prior. Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more! Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the worlds largest multimedia news provider, reaching billions of people worldwide every day. 2 Russian satellites are stalking a US spysat in orbit. The Space Force The Russian spacecraft has been making regular close passes to the American satellite, leading space observers to believe that it is an "inspector" spacecraft specifically designed to gather detailed information on other satellites. A pair of Russian satellites are tailing a multibillion-dollar U.S. spy satellite hundreds of miles above the Earth's surface, a top U.S. military commander tells . five objects had actually breached the atmosphere, Space Force General David Thompson later said. We pay for your stories! The War Zone Share Emma Helfrich View emma helfrich's Articles Russia has launched satellite 14F150 Nivelir into orbit under a mission dubbed Kosmos-2558, and its current orbital path could. Want to find those secret features within social media apps? The image below shows just how much detail an inspector satellite might be able to capture when photographing its target. The US satellite is part of a spy satellite program that collects intelligence through Earth observation.

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