Russian satellite activity raises concerns for Starlink, German space commander says
SPCX•Germany’s space commander said Russian military satellites’ close approach to a Western satellite supporting Ukraine demonstrates capabilities that could threaten commercial constellations such as Starlink. He said such activity could affect satellites’ lifetimes and service quality without a direct attack.
1. Russian satellites shadowed ICEYE
In May, Russia manoeuvred four military satellites close to a commercial radar-imaging satellite operated by Finland’s ICEYE, which supplies data to the United States and its allies. German Space Command head Michael Traut described the Russian spacecraft as “chasing” the ICEYE satellite, which provides battlefield intelligence imagery.
2. Potential risks to Starlink
Traut said Russia could use these capabilities against a constellation such as Starlink, affecting satellite lifetimes and service quality for users. He outlined a hypothetical “grey-zone” scenario in which a Russian satellite entered a Starlink orbital path and broke apart, forcing satellites to make fuel-consuming avoidance manoeuvres.
3. Growing military reliance
The episode has raised concerns among Western officials as militaries increasingly rely on commercial satellite networks. ICEYE CEO Rafal Modrzewski said the company moved its satellite after the Russian manoeuvres and that satellites can be moved close together “either to observe or potentially do harm.”
