Russian satellite, Cosmos 2553, which is suspected by the US military to be linked to a nuclear anti-satellite weapons programme, has been observed spinning seemingly out of control in orbit, meaning it may no longer be operational, according to space analysts.
The development could be a major setback for Russia’s secretive space weapon programme, but it also raises the question of how safe its orbit is. Tensions have been heightened between the US and Russia since its launch just before the commencement of the Ukraine war. Launched on February 5, 2022, Cosmos 2553 is believed to serve as a radar satellite for Russian intelligence and a platform for testing radiation-related technologies. US officials claim its primary role is to support Russia’s development of a nuclear weapon capable of obliterating satellite networks, such as SpaceX’s Starlink, which has been critical for Ukrainian forces. Russia denies these claims, claiming the satellite is for research in high-radiation environments.
Russian military satellite spotted spinning
As reported by Reuters, information received from 2 private aerospace firms showed the satellite to be apparently spinning out of control for the last year, suggesting it is no longer operational. The US Space Command, which monitors orbiting objects, noted a change in Cosmos 2553’s altitude but declined to say any more. Russia’s Ministry of Defence has not responded to these concerns.
Orbiting at 2,000 km in a radiation-heavy region avoided by most satellites, Cosmos 2553’s behaviour has shown the growing importance of commercial space-tracking services which form part of a rapidly evolving industry in high demand by both civil and military customers.
Russia’s recent space activities, have been a cause for concern on military escalation. The US Space Command has taken note of inconsistencies between Russia’s claimed mission for the satellite and its characteristics. Russia, China, and the US have been investing heavily in military space technologies in recent times, making the potential for conflict in orbit a worrying possibility, and with Cosmos 2553’s fate adding to that uncertainty in an already tense arena.
