Three secret Russian satellites, launched earlier this year, put a mysterious object into orbit, which attracted the attention of analysts and observers of space activity.
Companions, marked as Cosmos 2581, 2582 and 2583, were launched into orbit 2 February by a Soyuz-2.1V rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. They are in almost polar orbit at an altitude approximately 585 km above the ground, and their purpose remains unknown.
In March, astronomer Jonathan McDowell, which tracks space missions, noticed, that satellites, probably, carry out convergence maneuvers with other objects in orbit.
Probable mission objectives.
Russia does not disclose details about these satellites, since many space missions are classified.
Mysterious object, released by satellites, can perform various functions, in particular:
- Military experiments — tests of satellite inspection technologies or their destruction.
- Docking testing — checking the capabilities of autonomous maneuvering.
- Scientific research — potential use as part of experimental projects.
- Fragmentation — although the accidental destruction of a satellite usually creates a significant amount of debris.
World parallels
The use of three satellites in a grouping is not a unique phenomenon. The US and China also have similar groups of satellites:
- Naval Ocean Surveillance System (USA) — satellites for electronic intelligence.
- Yaogan (China) - probably, used for military and intelligence purposes.
Despite them, that this configuration of satellites is not uncommon, their real purpose remains unknown. Observers continue to monitor the further maneuvers of Cosmos 2581, 2582 and 2583, and also for that, what role will their new companion satellite play.