Early on October 18, Russia’s Kosmos-2612 military satellite came within an estimated few hundred meters of ICEYE-X36. The close approach followed more than two weeks of course changes that brought the Russian spacecraft progressively closer.
Calculations based on publicly available orbital data put the closest distance at approximately 150 to 650 meters. Gaps in the data around the encounter make a more precise figure difficult to establish. A distance of 26 meters, reported by some media outlets, remains unsubstantiated.
The approach began on September 30. Kosmos-2612 gradually adjusted its altitude, direction and speed to bring its orbit into alignment with ICEYE-X36. By the afternoon of October 16, the Russian satellite was following less than three kilometers behind.
For roughly 12 hours, the distance was less than one kilometer. Kosmos-2612 maneuvered away on October 18.
The sequence of course changes shows a deliberate approach. The Russian spacecraft repeatedly adjusted its movements to get closer and keep pace with ICEYE-X36.
The purpose remains unknown. Available orbital data show no measurable effect on ICEYE-X36’s trajectory. An attack, physical contact, electronic interference or damage has not been confirmed.
The encounter has security implications because ICEYE supplies radar imagery to Ukraine’s Defense Ministry. Its satellites use radar to produce images of the ground, including through clouds and in darkness. Those images can help track military activity.
ICEYE is headquartered in Finland, while ICEYE-X36 is registered in the United States. In January, the company confirmed that it supplies large volumes of high-resolution radar imagery to Ukraine. Whether this particular satellite contributes to that service remains publicly unknown.
Russian authorities have offered no public explanation for the maneuver. ICEYE has also issued no public statement about the close approach.
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