The US spy satellite USA 325 is reportedly observing the Russian military satellite Kosmos 2589 in geostationary orbit
In recent days, we reported on several Russian military satellites (Kosmos 2581, Kosmos 2582, and Kosmos 2583) that are reportedly conducting operations in low Earth orbit. The purpose is unclear, but they may be tests dedicated to new anti-satellite weapons or for trying out orbital refueling technologies. In the past few hours, it has also been reported that a US spy satellite, called USA 325 or GSSAP 6, has been closely observing a Russian spy satellite, in this case, Kosmos 2589.
👀USA 325 keeps an eye on COSMOS 2589 as it settles into GEO
COSMOS 2589 🇷🇺 (launched last June) spent the past few weeks circularizing its orbit before parking at ~98°E. USA 325 🇺🇸 (GSSAP-6) was watching the whole time.
Things got interesting around April 19th when COSMOS 2589
— COMSPOC_OPS (@COMSPOC_OPS)
May 5, 2026
The military satellite Kosmos 2589 was launched with an Angara-A5 rocket in June 2025 into geostationary orbit. Like other units of this type, public information on technical characteristics, mission type, and other details is not available. What we know comes from orbital analyses by third-party companies, as even government agencies from hostile nations do not release such data, guarding it closely to avoid benefiting the enemy.
A few weeks after the launch of the Russian spy satellite Kosmos 2589, the satellite released what appeared to be a subsatellite (probably a Cubesat) called Object C, while its eccentric orbits theoretically allowed it to observe other satellites placed in geostationary or medium Earth orbits. After a period on elliptical orbits, Kosmos 2589 circularized its orbit and positioned itself at an inclination of 98°. These movements did not go unnoticed. The spy satellite USA 325 or GSSAP 6 has likely made several observations with its instruments during this time.
The two satellites approach each other about twice a day, allowing for in-depth analysis from close range. The closest pass occurred at 13 km around May 1st with excellent solar illumination to capture details. The US satellites GSSAP (Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program) from the Hornet program are designed for space surveillance and use optoelectronic sensors to gather as much information as possible.
In particular, USA 325 was launched in early 2022 from SLC-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida with a ULA Atlas V rocket along with GSSAP 6 (or USA 324). Before these units, other satellites from this program were launched in 2014 and 2016, while two more were launched this year with a ULA Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle (which had a problem with an SRB). Two more units are scheduled to be launched in 2027.
As we know, space is important for scientific, commercial, and military reasons. Since the dawn of space launches, the military has had a ‘keen eye’ on space as a place to deploy various systems, initially thinking mainly of missiles or ICBMs. With technological advancements (which also indirectly involved the scientific sector), analyzing enemy capabilities has become essential. Given the topic, and as mentioned above, available information is sparse and fragmented, but in the near future, military activities beyond Earth orbit can only intensify.