Russian military satellite Cosmos-2612 approaches U.S. radar satellite ICEYE-X36

Russia's Cosmos-2612 military satellite repeatedly changed its orbit to approach ICEYE-X36, a commercial U.S.-registered radar-imaging satellite providing data to Ukraine.

Astronomer Marco Langbroek estimated that the two satellites were only 1 to 2 km apart in Earth orbit, with expectations to close within metres if trajectories continued.

No direct attack had been established by the morning of October 18, leaving experts evaluating the potential intentions behind the orbital approach.