US EditionRussian Satellites Suspected of Intercepting European Communications
EU officials cite a sharp rise in Russian satellite reconnaissance near European geostationary orbits, prompting a defensive space shield involving key aerospace firms and NATO cooperation.
- On February 4, 2026, the Financial Times reported Russian satellites Luch-1 and Luch-2 may have intercepted communications from European geostationary satellites serving Europe, the UK, Africa, and the Middle East.
- European officials say many geostationary satellites launched years ago lack modern encryption, while Western observers note intensified Russian proximity operations over the past three years, with Luch-2 approaching at least 17 satellites since its 2023 launch.
- Major General Michael Traut told the FT that both satellites are suspected of 'conducting electronic intelligence,' and analysts say they positioned themselves inside narrow cones of uplink/downlink beams to capture control data.
- Recorded command data could be replayed to mimic ground controllers and send false commands, risking satellite thrusters and orbital control channels being manipulated to alter orbits, force deorbiting, or cause collisions, while exposing classified messages on civilian satellites carrying government and some military communications.
- On January 30, telescopes observed a gas plume and partial fragmentation of Luch-1, linked to expanding Russian space reconnaissance and hybrid warfare tactics, officials say.
60 Articles
60 Articles
Russia continues to increase its exploration activity in space, posing a threat to Europe's satellite infrastructure.
Since its launch in 2023, Luch-2 has operated close to 17 European satellites. Unusual and dangerous practices, therefore suspicious, aimed at collecting potentially sensitive data.
Russian Satellites Suspected of Spying on European Communication
Russian surveillance satellites have maneuvered near multiple European geostationary platforms, Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Science Museum Group / CC BY 4.0 European defense and intelligence officials are increasingly concerned about the behavior of Russian surveillance satellites that are believed to have intercepted communications from at least twelve high-value European space assets. According to officials cited in international reporting, tw…
Russia suspected of intercepting EU satellites
Russian space vehicles have approached European satellites and intercepted their communications, officials believe. Two objects have passed dangerously close to some of Europe’s most important geostationary satellites, the Financial Times reported, and lingered nearby for weeks. The satellites lack advanced onboard computers that could encrypt their transmissions, so the data is easily interpreted; it also leaves them vulnerable to interference.…
Russia can blind, manipulate or destroy satellites. Pistorius demands offensive capabilities. The threat is constantly growing.
EU launches “space shield” to defend against Russian satellites
The EU has unveiled a new defensive initiative dubbed the “space shield” in response to what officials described as a series of Russian attacks targeting European satellites, Ukrainska Pravda reports on February 4.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
