The Russian military satellite KOSMOS 2612, launched on 16 April 2026 from Plesetsk, has been conducting a series of maneuvers since 30 September 2026 to approach and synchronize orbit parameters with ICEYE-X36, a US-registered, reportedly Ukrainian-utilized synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite. As of 17 October 2026, 18:15 UTC, the two satellites were within 1-2 km of each other, with projections indicating a possible approach to within a few meters in the early hours of 18 October. On 18 October 2026, at approximately 01:35 UTC, a close approach occurred potentially within a few hundred meters or closer. Orbital data suggest KOSMOS 2612 performed additional maneuvers around this time. There is no evidence from orbital elements that ICEYE-X36 was disturbed or damaged. The rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO) is completely non-consensual and considered worrisome given the hostile context between Russia and Ukraine. Attribution of any interference or damage remains difficult. This incident may represent a first potential on-orbit anti-satellite (ASAT) attack attempt.

The Russian military satellite KOSMOS 2612, launched on 16 April 2026 from Plesetsk, has been conducting a series of maneuvers since 30 September 2026 to approach and synchronize orbit parameters with ICEYE-X36, a US-registered, reportedly Ukrainian-utilized synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite. As of 17 October 2026, 18:15 UTC, the two satellites were within 1-2 km of each other, with projections indicating a possible approach to within a few meters in the early hours of 18 October. On 18 October 2026, at approximately 01:35 UTC, a close approach occurred potentially within a few hundred meters or closer. Orbital data suggest KOSMOS 2612 performed additional maneuvers around this time. There is no evidence from orbital elements that ICEYE-X36 was disturbed or damaged. The rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO) is completely non-consensual and considered worrisome given the hostile context between Russia and Ukraine. Attribution of any interference or damage remains difficult. This incident may represent a first potential on-orbit anti-satellite (ASAT) attack attempt.