Russian Satellites Accused of Shadowing Key European Orbital Assets

"Russian "inspector" satellites are once again in the spotlight after evidence emerged that two spacecraft have been maneuvering unusually close to critical communications satellites in orbit, raising concerns across the wider tech and satellite industries about surveillance, signal interception, and the growing militarization of orbital infrastructure. According to defense and intelligence sources, the satellites, known as Luch-1 and Luch-2, have been conducting sustained proximity operations near European government and commercial satellites and are believed to be part of Russia's "inspector" satellite program."

"Orbital tracking data shows that Luch-2 has approached at least 17 European satellites since its March 2023 launch. Most of this activity is taking place in geostationary orbit, or GEO, the band of space about 36,000 kilometers above Earth where satellites match the planet's rotation and remain fixed over specific regions. Importantly, this is where some of the most valuable infrastructure in the modern tech ecosystem is."

Luch-1 and Luch-2 have been conducting sustained proximity operations near European government and commercial satellites, with Luch-2 approaching at least 17 European satellites since March 2023. Most activity has occurred in geostationary orbit (GEO), about 36,000 kilometers above Earth, where key telecommunications, military command, broadcasting, weather, and secure government links reside. Operators note that a nearby spacecraft can observe signal patterns, monitor emissions, or potentially interfere with operations by positioning within uplink or downlink beams. European security officials believe the Luch satellites have intercepted communications from over a dozen continental satellites, heightening security and surveillance concerns.

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