Russian military satellite made unauthorized close approach to Finnish radar imaging satellite

Russian military satellite Cosmos-26122 made a dangerous unauthorized close approach to the operational radar imaging satellite ICEYE-X36 in low Earth orbit, experts report. According to specialists, a series of maneuvers reduced the distance between the two satellites to 136 meters, with a potential reduction to 48 meters by Monday. Dutch analyst Marco Langbroek noted that Russia had been deliberately matching its orbit since September 30. Astronomer Jonathan McDowell called this incident the first known case of such a close approach between two operational satellites. It is noted that the Finnish company ICEYE, which owns the satellite, has been supplying Ukraine with radar imagery since 2022. No signs of damage have been detected, and Moscow's motives remain unknown.