Russian satellites' secretive maneuvers raise global eyebrows
Three Russian military satellites released an unknown object after a series of mysterious manoeuvres in a polar orbit. This has sparked interest among space researchers and analysts, who suspect that the Russians are testing new technology in orbit.
At the beginning of February, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, a Soyuz-2.1V rocket launched, carrying a satellite designated Kosmos 2581. The mission was carried out for the needs of the Russian Ministry of Defence.
This event seemed routine until it was later revealed that the rocket launched a total of three satellites into orbit, not just one. The other units were designated as Kosmos 2582 and Kosmos 2583.
In March, the satellites observed by the U.S. Space Force were in a polar orbit approximately 585 kilometres above Earth. They were performing numerous proximity operations, manoeuvring around other objects.
Then, on March 18, a new mysterious object appeared in orbit. It was likely released by the Kosmos 2581 satellite.
Mysterious operations in orbit
Russia has not disclosed any details about the mission of its three satellites. It also does not mention the new object in orbit. This is not surprising. Many missions of Kosmos satellites are classified.
According to experts, the released object may have various applications. It might be used for military experiments, such as satellite inspections or targeting exercises, testing docking technology, or flying in formation. It could also be a scientific payload or the result of unintended fragmentation. However, as experts claim, in such cases, many pieces of debris usually form.
Since 1962, the designation "Kosmos" has been used for a wide range of military and scientific satellites. These satellites have various uses, some of which are experimental, secret, or part of military programs.
Source: space.com
