Space race did not end - it just went into the shadow. In the last decade, Russia has systematically built a secret fleet of maneuverable satellites, the purpose of which is not space exploration, and observation, approach and potential interference with the operation of foreign orbital vehicles.
Recent Separation of the O object from Russian Satellite Space-2558 next to US reconnaissance satellite 326 again caused alarm in Washington. But this incident is only part of a multi-year one, consistent strategy, which is based on the creation of so-called "satellite inspectors", able to approach other objects in orbit, explore or even influence them.
Russian program "Inspectors": which is already known
For more than ten years, open source specialists and amateur observers have been recording a series of Russian launches, during which the satellites performed atypical maneuvers.
Among the most notable devices:
- Cosmos-2491, 2499, 2519
- Cosmos-2542–2543 — in 2019 year 2543 was actively maneuvering near the American intelligence satellite KH-11 USA 245
- Cosmos-2558, which, three years after its launch, was unexpectedly activated in June 2025 year
Some of them not only fit other devices, but also launched sub-satellites or high-speed objects, which raises speculation about the testing of anti-satellite weapons components (ASAT).
The Leveler program and military contractors
Analysts link these launches to the classified program "Leveler", probably, implemented by enterprises:
NPO Lavochkina is a satellite platform developer
TsNDIKHM (Central Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics) — supplier of control systems and payload
Although the exact purpose of the devices is not revealed, tenders and documents indicate their ability to:
- near orbital observation
- electronic intelligence
- possible interception of communication
New threats: synchronous maneuvers and activation delays
It is also worth paying attention to a characteristic feature of Russian aircraft — long periods of inactivity between launch and the start of maneuvering. Such a delay allows to reduce suspicion and inconspicuously activate the satellite at the right moment.
IN 2025 Cosmos-2581 launches were recorded, 2582 and 2583, as well as object F, which also performed synchronized maneuvers, suggesting a coordinated strategy in outer space.
«Inspectors" as an element of military strategy
Even if these satellites do not officially show aggression, the very fact of maneuvering near critical equipment is already a military signal. This is a demonstration of orbit control, cyber readiness- or electronic attack, or to blinding and deactivation.
The satellite strategy also includes taking advantage of the predictability of orbital paths, which provides global surveillance, but creates vulnerability, when enemy inspectors appear nearby.
Orbital threats of the future: from Starlink to nuclear satellites
As reported by Forbes, Russia is developing space weapons systems, capable of hitting Starlink satellites, in particular the Nudol missile, which can potentially be equipped with a nuclear charge. Its range allows it to attack not only Starlink, but also commercial Planet Labs satellites.
More, analysts draw attention to a secret program for placing nuclear weapons in space, satellites in particular, able to track US facilities, and if necessary, to activate nuclear equipment to disable satellite groups.
Source: https://united24media.com