Russian Luch satellites could spy on European space communications
Russian Luch-1 and Luch-2 satellites could conduct electronic reconnaissance and intercept signals from European spacecraft. This was reported by Financial Times citing data from Western security services.
According to the publication, both satellites have been performing Suspicious manoeuvres in geostationary orbit, It is dangerously close to European communications apparatuses serving Europe, the UK, Africa and the Middle East.
Dangerous convergences in orbit
In particular, the Luch-2 satellite, after its launch in 2023 approached at least 17 European satellites and could stay with them for several weeks.
Such manoeuvres have caused concern in Western intelligence, as such behaviour not typical for civilian communication spacecraft.
Possible targets of Russian devices
Analysts suggest that the main goal was to:
signal interception between the Earth and the satellites;
access to systems that do not yet have full control encryption;
potential opportunity send fake commands, The company's operations are also aimed at changing the orbit of the spacecraft or disabling them;
collecting data for jamming signals and cyber attacks from ground-based systems.
In theory, such actions could even lead to falling satellites or loss of control over them.
Context.
In recent years, space has been increasingly seen as a a separate security and intelligence theatre, where states are testing the capabilities of electronic espionage, signal interception and influence on communications infrastructure.
Experts warn that such activity increases risks conflicts in outer space and could threaten global navigation, communication and security systems.
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