Star Wars? US alleges new Russian satellite is capable of waging war from beyond Earth's atmosphere
Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Alarming Accusation
The US Space Command has accused Russia of launching COSMOS 2576, a satellite believed to be a counterspace weapon capable of inspecting and potentially attacking other satellites.
Credit: Reuters
Satellite Trails US Spy Satellite
COSMOS 2576 is reportedly trailing a US spy satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), heightening concerns.
Credit: Getty
Recent Launch Details
On May 16, Russia's Soyuz rocket launched from the Plesetsk site, deploying nine satellites into low-Earth orbit, including the controversial COSMOS 2576.
Credit: Reuters
Reckless Behavior Condemned
US intelligence officials criticize the launch, labeling the Russian "inspector" spacecraft as reckless and dangerous to space operations.
Credit: NASA/GCTC/Andrey Shelepin
Potential Counterspace Weapon
USSPACECOM assesses COSMOS 2576 as likely a counterspace weapon, capable of targeting other satellites in low Earth orbit.
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Historical Precedents
COSMOS 2576 is similar to Russian counterspace payloads from 2019 and 2022, which had exhibited concerning behavior by closely approaching US spy satellites.
Credit: Mike Tsukamoto/staff; NASA
Current Orbital Position
While COSMOS 2576 has not yet approached a US satellite, it is in the same orbital ring as USA 314, an NRO satellite launched in April 2021.
Credit: https://sattrackcam.blogspot.com/
Unexpected Launch Mix
Analyst Bart Hendrickx noted the unexpected mix of military and civilian payloads on the Russian launch, a first in Russia’s space launch history.
Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
Rising Tensions
The deployment of potential counterspace weapons by Russia increases concerns about the safety and security of critical space assets, as tensions between the US and Russia escalate in the militarization of space.
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