Lyce · Hybrid Watch
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Russian Luch-2 satellite approaches Eutelsat Konnect VHTS.
On 5 December 2023, the Russian reconnaissance satellite Luch-2 manoeuvred near Eutelsat Konnect VHTS, a European high-throughput communications satellite, at approximately 2.6°E geostationary longitude. The spacecraft remained nearby for almost four months, until 26 March 2024. Commercial tracking data indicated that it approached within approximately 30 kilometres of the European satellite. The extended orbital positioning raised concerns about possible interception of satellite communications and monitoring of ground-to-space control links. European security analysts subsequently identified prolonged Russian proximity operations as a potential means of collecting information about satellite networks and their vulnerabilities. However, the available evidence documented the satellite’s positioning rather than a confirmed electronic attack or disruption to Konnect VHTS services.
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On 5 December 2023, the Russian reconnaissance satellite Luch-2 manoeuvred near Eutelsat Konnect VHTS, a European high-throughput communications satellite, at approximately 2.6°E geostationary longitude. The spacecraft remained nearby for almost four months, until 26 March 2024. Commercial tracking data indicated that it approached within approximately 30 kilometres of the European satellite. The extended orbital positioning raised concerns about possible interception of satellite communications and monitoring of ground-to-space control links. European security analysts subsequently identified prolonged Russian proximity operations as a potential means of collecting information about satellite networks and their vulnerabilities. However, the available evidence documented the satellite’s positioning rather than a confirmed electronic attack or disruption to Konnect VHTS services.