Latest news with #SlingshotAerospace
Sustainability Times
08-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Russia's Orbital Weapon Moves In': US Military Reacts Urgently as Armed Satellite Approaches Critical American Asset in Alarming Encounter
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 Russian satellite Cosmos 2588 has maneuvered into a suspicious orbit near a U.S. government satellite, sparking international concern. has maneuvered into a suspicious orbit near a U.S. government satellite, sparking international concern. 🔭 Independent trackers and astronomers have noted its close proximity to the U.S. KH-series reconnaissance satellite , raising alarms about potential ASAT capabilities. , raising alarms about potential ASAT capabilities. 📡 Data from Slingshot Aerospace suggests Cosmos 2588 may carry a kinetic weapon, with repeated close passes every few days. suggests Cosmos 2588 may carry a kinetic weapon, with repeated close passes every few days. 🌌 The incident highlights the urgent need for international dialogue and regulation to prevent a potential arms race in space. In recent years, the intricate dance of satellites orbiting Earth has become a focal point of global geopolitical tension. The latest chapter in this unfolding saga involves a Russian satellite, Cosmos 2588, which has maneuvered into a suspicious orbit near an American government satellite. As nations increasingly rely on space-based technology for military and civilian purposes, the implications of such maneuvers are profound. This development has sparked a renewed debate about the potential militarization of space, raising questions about the intentions behind these orbital activities and the potential risks they pose to international stability. Russia's Orbital Activity Prompts Scrutiny Recent maneuvers by Russia's Cosmos 2588 have drawn intense scrutiny from the U.S. Space Command. The satellite, launched on May 23, entered a co-orbital path with the American satellite USA 338. This U.S. satellite is believed to be part of the National Reconnaissance Office's KH-series, a critical component of the Crystal constellation used for electro-optical surveillance. The close proximity of Cosmos 2588 to such a vital U.S. asset has heightened concerns about Russia's objectives. Amateur astronomers and experts alike have been vigilant about this development. Bart Hendrix, an independent satellite tracker, was among the first to report the launch and its orbital characteristics on the NASA SpaceFlight Forum. His observations were later corroborated by Dutch astronomer Marco Langbroek, who noted the satellite's trajectory resembles previous Russian missions thought to be designed for anti-satellite (ASAT) purposes. Unlike the U.S. military's GSSAP spacecraft, which are known for their orbital maneuvers, Cosmos satellites tend to remain fixed, closely shadowing U.S. reconnaissance satellites. Unprecedented Aerial Gamble: This New Australian Drone Can Travel 310 Miles Carrying 110 Pounds Across Remote Outback Tracking Data Suggests Satellite May Carry Kinetic Weapon Slingshot Aerospace, a U.S. satellite tracking company, has provided compelling data supporting the theory that Cosmos 2588 may be more than a mere inspection satellite. Using open-source data from Seradata, Slingshot suggests that this Russian satellite could be equipped with a kinetic weapon, aimed at the U.S. satellite USA 338. The orbital paths of these satellites bring them within approximately 58 miles of each other every few days, raising alarms about potential close encounters. While Slingshot Aerospace has not disclosed specific reasons for suspecting Cosmos 2588 of carrying a weapon, the consistent pattern of Russian co-orbital activities with American satellites is seen as a cause for concern. This pattern, observed over the past five years, includes multiple incidents where Russian satellites have positioned themselves near U.S. reconnaissance assets. The repeated proximity of these satellites has led to heightened vigilance among Western astronomers and defense agencies. 'Hypersonic Madness in Orbit': US Company Launches Pancake Probes at Relentless Speed, Triggering Chinese Military Alarm Historical Context of Russian Satellite Maneuvers The launch of Cosmos 2588 is not an isolated event but part of a broader trend observed over recent years. This marks the fourth instance in five years where a Russian satellite has entered a co-orbital path with a U.S. optical reconnaissance satellite. Previous cases, such as the encounters between Kosmos 2542/2543 and USA 245, and Kosmos 2558 with USA 326, have set a precedent for concern. These maneuvers suggest a possible strategy of positioning dormant co-orbital ASAT weapons, capable of being activated if needed. Although initial incidents appeared to mimic inspector missions, the recurring nature and similar behavior of these satellites indicate a shift in Russia's space strategy. This has led experts to theorize that Russia may be developing a fleet of satellites designed to shadow and, if necessary, disable critical U.S. space assets. Such a strategy poses significant risks to the stability of the space domain, which has been recognized as a crucial frontier for national security. 'I'll Strike Before You Even See Me': The Mach 6 Darkstar SR-72 Sends Terrifying Message to Russia and China Implications for International Space Security The potential deployment of co-orbital ASAT weapons underscores the urgent need for international dialogue and regulation regarding military activities in space. As more nations develop advanced space capabilities, the risk of conflict in this domain increases exponentially. The U.S. and its allies must consider how to effectively respond to such developments, balancing deterrence with diplomacy. Efforts to establish norms and agreements governing space activities are more important than ever. Without clear guidelines, the risk of misunderstandings or accidental escalations could have dire consequences. The presence of potentially weaponized satellites in orbit serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of space security. It prompts critical questions about how nations can work together to ensure that space remains a domain for peaceful exploration and cooperation, rather than conflict. The developments surrounding Cosmos 2588 highlight the complex and often precarious balance of power in space. As nations continue to push the boundaries of technology, the need for robust international frameworks to govern space activities becomes increasingly apparent. How will global powers navigate this new landscape, and what measures can be implemented to prevent a potential arms race in orbit? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (20)
Gizmodo
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Gizmodo
New Russian Satellite Appears to Be Stalking U.S. Satellite in Orbit
A recently launched Russian satellite is getting uncomfortably cozy with a U.S. reconnaissance satellite, leading Space Command to worry that it's part of an anti-satellite weapon being deployed to orbit. Cosmos 2588 launched on May 23 to a near-circular orbit, placing it eerily close to a U.S. reconnaissance satellite, USA 338. The move prompted suspicion that it's an attempt by Russia to deliberately stalk the U.S. government satellite. This isn't the first time Russia has deployed a sneaky satellite to trail behind and allegedly observe another satellite in orbit, but this time it may be connected to Russia's controversial anti-satellite program. 'U.S. Space Command can confirm Russia's recent launch put a Russian satellite into an orbit near a U.S. government satellite,' a Space Command spokesperson is quoted as saying to Breaking Defense. 'Russia continues to research, develop, test, and deploy a suite of counter space systems that threaten the safety and the stability of the domain, so consistent with all on-orbit objects, USSPACECOM will continue to monitor for concerning behavior or activity related to this launch.' Slingshot Aerospace reports that the alleged spy satellite, Cosmos 2588, is a NIVELIR military inspection satellite likely carrying a kinetic weapon onboard. Its alignment with USA 338 'strongly suggests COSMOS 2588 may be actively monitoring or 'chasing' it,' the satellite tracking company wrote in a statement. Slingshot Aerospace has been tracking the two satellites, revealing that Cosmos 2588 is orbiting at a slightly higher altitude and that the two objects will have a close flyby of one another roughly every four days. The two satellites come as close as 62 miles (100 kilometers) from one another, Marco Langbroek, an astronomer and expert on space situational awareness at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, wrote on X. Not much else is known about USA 338 as it doesn't have publicly available orbital data, but it is believed to be a part of the National Reconnaissance Office's KH-series electro-optical surveillance network, known as the Crystal constellation, according to Interesting Engineering. This isn't the first time Russia has allegedly deployed a satellite for such a purpose. In April 2023, a Russian satellite appeared to be closely trailing a classified U.S. military satellite, and Russia's Kosmos 2558, launched in August 2022, was deployed into the same orbital plane as a U.S. military satellite, dubbed USA 326. In 2020, another Russian satellite, Kosmos 2542, stalked USA 245, an electro-optical spy satellite in low Earth orbit. The U.S. isn't completely innocent either. In June 2017, classified U.S. military satellite USA 276 snuck up on the International Space Station at a close distance of about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers). Earlier in 1998, hobbyists discovered a U.S. satellite that was believed to have been used for space spying purposes as well. Russia's satellites, however, are believed to be part of the country's efforts to develop an anti-satellite weapon designed to destroy other objects in space. In November 2021, Russia destroyed a defunct Soviet-era satellite in low Earth orbit, producing thousands of pieces of orbital debris. The test prompted the United Nations to draft a resolution against tests of anti-satellite (ASAT) missile systems, which was led by the Biden administration after the U.S. adopted a self-imposed ban on ASAT tests. A total of 155 countries voted in favor of the resolution, while nine voted against it, including Russia, China, Cuba, Syria, and Iran. 'This is the fourth time in five years that they launch a satellite into a coplanar orbit with a US optical reconnaissance satellite,' Langbroek wrote on X. 'So no, not mere coincidence but deliberate.'
New York Post
29-04-2025
- Science
- New York Post
Russian satellite linked to nuclear weapons program is spinning out of control
A secret Russian satellite that US officials believe is linked to Russia's nuclear weapons program appears to be spinning uncontrollably in space, in a major blow for Moscow, according to American analysts. The Cosmos 2553 satellite, which was launched by Russia weeks before invading Ukraine in 2022, has been tumbling in space for the past year, suggesting it may no longer be functioning, according to Doppler radar data from space-tracking firm LeoLabs and optical data from Slingshot Aerospace. The Cosmos was at the center of allegations from the US that Russia was developing a nuclear weapon capable of destroying entire satellite networks in space, including SpaceX's Starlink system that Ukrainian troops have relied on to fight Moscow's invasion. Advertisement The US has accused Russia of launching secret satellites aimed at building a nuclear weapon capable of eliminating entire satellite systems in space. REUTERS LeoLabs, which detected errant movements from the satellite last year, now has 'high confidence' that the Cosmos is spinning out of control, Darren McKnight, a senior technical fellow at the company, told Reuters. The satellite was notably flying in a relatively isolated orbit some 1,200 miles above the Earth in a known hotspot of cosmic radiation that normal satellites typically avoid. Advertisement The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank, said the findings from LeoLabs show clear evidence that the Russian satellite 'is no longer operational.' Slingshot, however, said that the Cosmos appears to have recently stabilized after the company first detected the tumbling pattern last May. Satellites have become key to Russia, America and China's space programs for military and intelligence operations. dimazel – Russia's Ministry of Defense, which denied allegations that Cosmos was linked to its nuclear weapons program, has yet to comment on the findings from the American analysts. Advertisement US Space Command, which condemned the launch of Russia's military satellites, has also remained silent on the findings. Although not a weapon itself, Cosmos 2553 was believed to aid Russia's development of a nuclear anti-satellite weapon. The Cosmos is one of dozens of Russia's military satellites, with Moscow investing billions in strengthening its space capabilities for military and intelligence purposes as the war with Ukraine continues. Advertisement Washington and Beijing have also followed suit to bolster their own secretive satellite programs, raising concerns about a future where space conflicts and satellite attacks become the norm. The Biden administration warned last year that the Cosmos was just the start of Moscow's ambitions, with Russia allegedly 'considering the incorporation of nuclear weapons into its counterspace programs.' With Post wires
TimesLIVE
29-04-2025
- Science
- TimesLIVE
Russian satellite linked to nuclear weapon programme ‘out of control': US
The secretive Russian satellite in space that US officials believe is connected to a nuclear anti-satellite weapon programme has appeared to be spinning uncontrollably, suggesting it may no longer be functioning, in what could be a setback for Moscow's space weapon efforts, according to US analysts. The Cosmos 2553 satellite, launched by Russia weeks before invading Ukraine in 2022, has had bouts of what appears to be errant spinning over the past year, according to Doppler radar data from space-tracking firm LeoLabs and optical data from Slingshot Aerospace shared with Reuters. Believed to be a radar satellite for Russian intelligence and a radiation testing platform, the satellite last year became the centre of US allegations that Russia for years has been developing a nuclear weapon capable of destroying entire satellite networks, such as SpaceX's Starlink internet system that Ukrainian troops have been using. US officials assess Cosmos 2553's purpose, though not itself a weapon, is to aid Russia's development of a nuclear anti-satellite weapon. Russia has denied it is developing such a weapon and said Cosmos 2553 is for research purposes. Russia, which launched the first man in space in 1961, has for decades been locked in a security race in space with the US that, in recent years, has intensified and seeped into public view as Earth's orbit becomes a hotspot for private sector competition and military technologies aiding ground forces. The Cosmos 2553 satellite has been in a relatively isolated orbit 2,000km above Earth, parked in a hotspot of cosmic radiation that communications and Earth-observing satellites typically avoid.
Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- Science
- Daily Mirror
Vladimir Putin's 'WW3 satellite' linked to nukes is 'spinning uncontrollably' in space
A Russian space satellite which has been linked to a dangerous nuclear weapons program is reportedly 'spinning uncontrollably' in orbit - US officials have previously issued a warning about the equipment A dangerous Russian satellite which US officials suspect is linked to a nuclear anti-satellite weapons program is 'spinning uncontrollably' in space. Secretive Cosmos 2553, which was set off by Russia ahead of the Ukraine invasion in 2022, is thought now to be no longer operational. The tech is said to be strong enough to wipe out satellite networks including Elon Musk's Starlink internet system, which has helped Ukrainians in the war. The latest concerns come after warnings from the US that the equipment aims to aid the development of a nuclear anti-satellite weapon. However, Vladimir Putin rejected the claims and said that Cosmos 2553 was for research purposes. It is seen as a precursor to a weapon capable of a nuclear blast wiping out both military and civilian satellites supporting activities from financial transactions to weather forecasting. It could be deployed to Russia's massive advantage in the event of a new world war breaking out. The Russian defence ministry has refused to comment on the 'stricken' satellite some 1,250 miles above Earth. It has been suffering errant spinning for around a year, say American analysts using Doppler radar data from space-tracking firm LeoLabs, and optical data from Slingshot Aerospace. The out-of-control satellite is reported to have a radar function for Russian military intelligence and to have radiation testing capabilities. While not itself a weapon, it is linked to Russia's development of a nuclear anti-satellite weapon. Moscow has denied it is developing such a weapon and claimed Cosmos 2553 is for research purposes. LeoLabs earlier reported that the satellite was showing errant movements, and in December said there was 'high confidence' it was tumbling due to additional data. 'This observation strongly suggests the satellite is no longer operational,' according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank, referring to the LeoLabs analysis in its annual Space Threat Assessment. 'Slingshot noted that the object's brightness became variable, indicating a potential tumble,' said a spokesman. Yet there were also suggestions that the satellite's orbit had 'stabilised'. One theory is that Cosmos 2553's role is to test components of a weapon that will carry a nuclear device. It is feared to be equipped with 'onboard instruments and systems under development for their testing under conditions of exposure to radiation and heavy charged particles.' Russia placed the satellite into orbit with a blast off from a Soyuz-2 rocket in February 2022, just days before Putin invaded Ukraine.
