US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Russian Satellites Suspected of Intercepting European Communications
Russian Luch-1 and Luch-2 satellites have approached 17 European geostationary satellites to intercept unencrypted data, raising concerns over potential spoofing and disruption.
- 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.
Insights by Ground AI
46 Articles
46 Articles
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.
·Berlin, Germany
Read Full Article
Moscow's action jeopardises sensitive information transmitted by European satellites, as well as may allow Russians to manipulate their routes or even destroy them.
·Brazil
Read Full Article
Over the last three years, and as the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv continues, two Russian satellites are accused of carrying out spying operations against other European aircraft.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources46
Leaning Left9Leaning Right5Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution48% Left
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources lean Left
48% Left
L 48%
C 26%
R 26%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
