Russian Spy Spacecraft Intercept European Satellites

Russian spy spacecraft have been intercepting key European satellites, according to officials. The intercepted satellites include Intelsat 10-02, Athena-Fidus, and German military communications satellites.

Intercepted Communications

The intercepted communications could be used for electronic warfare, jamming, or kinetic attacks. Officials believe that the Russian spacecraft are capable of capturing unencrypted or weakly encrypted telemetry, command, and payload data.

Security Implications

The security implications of the intercepted communications are significant. The compromise of NATO command-and-control, vulnerability of civilian services, and enabling of future ASAT weapons are all potential consequences.

Joint European Response

There are plans for a joint European response to protect satellite communications from future interceptions. The plans include the development of a European-wide space-defence architecture, procurement of electronic-attack-resistant transponders, and creation of a EU Satellite-Security Coordination Centre.

Sources

• Space War – Europe Faces Satellite Espionage Threat from Russia and China
• Mezha – Russia’s Threat to German Satellites Spurs European Space-Defense Boost
• Euromaidan Press – Russian spacecraft stalks German satellites at 88 km, close enough to intercept signals