Russia is Monitoring the ICEYE-X36 Satellite, which Provides Information to Ukraine, with Some Kosmos Spy Satellites

In the past, we have discussed how space is linked to scientific exploration and the economy, but also to military operations. For decades, major powers have been developing various spy satellites capable of gathering different types of information (images at various wavelengths, collection of electronic signals, and radio waves) in addition to potential "space weapons." Recently, we reported on operations conducted by American, Chinese, and Russian spy satellites with various objectives and potential repercussions. The latest development concerns Russian operations of the Kosmos spy satellites, which would be interested in closely observing the ICEYE-X36 satellite.

According to reports from Integrity ISR, the Russian spy satellites Kosmos 2610, Kosmos 2611, Kosmos 2612, and Kosmos 2613 have spent part of their fuel to alter their orbital inclination from 97° to 97.8°, moving at approximately 106 m/s in order to intercept the ICEYE-X36 satellite. This unit belongs to the Finnish-American company of the same name that collects images using a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) also used by Ukraine to counter the Russian invasion. The Russian satellite Kosmos 2614 is also said to be completing a similar operation.

Since these are military satellites, the capabilities of these Russian units are not known, but they seem to be more than just "simple" satellites for Earth observation; rather, they are solutions capable of capturing close-up images of specific targets, like other satellites, to provide information to the Russian Ministry of Defense. It is not entirely excluded that some of these satellites could also have offensive capabilities, although Russia may evaluate very carefully the possibility of striking another satellite considering the consequences that could generate in terms of space debris.

An image of Russian assets visible through SAR radars.

Due to the orbital modifications, the Russian spy satellites might occasionally find themselves about 500 meters to 22 km from the ICEYE-X36 satellite. This satellite was launched in early March 2024 from Vandenberg Space Force Base thanks to a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Its mass is approximately 90 kg, and its radar allows it to capture images with a resolution of 50 cm covering an area of 5 x 5 km. As coverage expands, the resolution decreases, reaching up to 100 x 100 km with a resolution of 15 meters.