The COSMOS 2576 is among at least nine satellites deployed in low Earth orbit, some with civilian purposes. However, U.S. officials believe that COSMOS 2576 is a military “inspector” spacecraft capable of inspecting and potentially attacking other satellites. “We have observed nominal activity and assess it is likely a counterspace weapon presumably capable of attacking other satellites in low Earth orbit,” a U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.
Reports indicate that COSMOS 2576’s current trajectory places it in the same orbital ring as the U.S. satellite USA 314, a reconnaissance satellite launched in April 2021 by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The Russian satellite appears to be traveling faster, which could result in closer proximity to the U.S. satellite in the near future.
Despite U.S. accusations, Russian officials have denied any intention of weaponizing space. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov dismissed the U.S. claims as “fake news” and reiterated Russia’s opposition to the deployment of weapons in orbit. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “We are not violating anything. We have repeatedly advocated a ban on the deployment of any weapons into space.”
This incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between the U.S. and Russia regarding space militarization. Both nations have levied accusations at each other, sparking intense debate at the United Nations Security Council. “They have once again demonstrated that their true priorities in the area of outer space are aimed not at keeping space free from weapons of any kind, but at placing weapons in space and turning it into an arena for military confrontation,” said Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
U.S. officials assert that Russia has launched at least one satellite, COSMOS 2553, linked to this program. However, they have also clarified that no nuclear weapon has been deployed in space to date.
The U.S. continues to monitor COSMOS 2576, Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasized the importance of readiness in protecting American interests in space. “We have a responsibility to be ready to protect and defend the space domain and ensure continuous and uninterrupted support to the joint and combined force,” he stated.
Relevant articles:
– Russia last week launched a satellite that US intelligence officials believe to be a weapon capable of inspecting and attacking other satellites, the US Space Command said Tuesday as the Russian spacecraft trails a US spy satellite in orbit, jpost.com, 05/22/2024
– Russia launches ‘space weapon’ in path of US satellite: Pentagon, Al Jazeera English, 05/22/2024
– US says Russia likely launched space weapon, BBC.com, 05/22/2024
– Russia launched space weapon in path of American spy satellite, US says, South China Morning Post, 05/22/2024
– Russia Likely Launched Counter Space Weapon Into Low Earth Orbit, i24NEWS, 05/22/2024
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