Russian Cosmos‑2612 satellite repeatedly closes in on U.S. radar imager ICEYE‑X36

UPDATE - follow-up to Russian military satellite stalks U.S. radar satellite in orbit: Russia's Cosmos-2612 has repeatedly altered its 550 km orbit to close in on the U.S.-registered radar imaging satellite ICEYE‑X36. ICEYE‑X36 is a commercial satellite that supplies radar data to Ukraine, enabling night‑time and all‑weather surveillance. As of 10 am IST on 18 Oct 2026, no hostile action had been confirmed. Dutch astronomer and TU Delft lecturer Marco Langbroek said that on the night of 17 Oct the two satellites were only 1‑2 km apart, a very short gap in low‑Earth orbit, and warned that their paths could bring them within metres if unchanged. The close approach raises concerns because the Russian satellite’s capabilities are unknown, while the U.S. satellite’s imagery is being used by Kyiv’s defence forces. No official statements from Russian or U.S. space agencies were reported in the article.

Context

Such satellite manoeuvres are rare and often signal strategic intent. In this case the proximity could be a test of anti‑satellite tactics or an attempt to disrupt Ukraine’s access to radar imagery.