What are the suspected activities of Russian space vehicles Luch-1 and Luch-2?

Luch-1 and Luch-2 are suspected of intercepting communications from European satellites and gathering intelligence on their operations.

What are the potential risks associated with Russia's space surveillance?

The risks include compromising sensitive satellite data, and the potential for Russia to manipulate satellite trajectories or even cause them to crash.

How do these space activities relate to Russia's 'hybrid warfare'?

These actions are viewed as an extension of Russia's 'hybrid warfare' tactics, escalating disruptive activities into the space domain.

Home / Technology / Russia Stalks European Satellites

Russia Stalks European Satellites

4 Feb

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Summary

Russian space vehicles are suspected of intercepting European satellite communications.
Moscow could potentially manipulate or crash satellites if command data is compromised.
These activities escalate Russia's 'hybrid warfare' tactics into space.

European security officials have identified two Russian space vehicles, Luch-1 and Luch-2, suspected of intercepting communications from at least a dozen European satellites over the past three years. These clandestine maneuvers risk compromising sensitive data and could enable Moscow to manipulate satellite trajectories or cause them to crash. This activity is seen as an extension of Russia's 'hybrid warfare' efforts into space.

Major General Michael Traut of Germany's space command stated the vehicles are likely engaged in signals intelligence, lingering near important geostationary satellites. Concerns are high because much of this satellite data, particularly command links, is unencrypted, leaving them vulnerable. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has called these Russian activities a fundamental threat that can no longer be ignored.

While Luch-1 and Luch-2 may lack direct jamming or destruction capabilities, they are believed to have gathered crucial data on satellite systems. This intelligence could allow Russia to mimic ground operators, sending false commands to disrupt or disable satellites. The information also aids in mapping satellite usage and identifying ground terminals for potential future attacks.