technology
Russia Launches Suspected Inspector Satellite into Geosynchronous Orbit
Russia has placed Kosmos 2589 into geosynchronous orbit, joining United States and Chinese spacecraft conducting surveillance of other satellites in the region. A U.S. Space Force GSSAP satellite has been maneuvering near the Russian spacecraft, approaching as close as 8 miles. The U.S. is preparing to acquire a new generation of refuelable reconnaissance satellites for the same orbit.
May 15, 3:11 PM·2m read1 source
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Russia has now joined the activity with the recent arrival of Kosmos 2589 in geosynchronous orbit. The satellite was launched in June 2025 into a highly elliptical orbit with a smaller spacecraft designated Kosmos 2590.
The pair conducted rendezvous and proximity operations before Kosmos 2589 moved into a circular geosynchronous orbit in April. A U.S. GSSAP satellite, designated USA-325, began maneuvering near Kosmos 2589 shortly after its arrival.
The U.S. spacecraft loops around the Russian satellite twice per day and came within 8 miles on May 1, according to data from commercial space situational awareness company COMSPOC. The U.S. military has operated the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program, or GSSAP, satellites since 2014.
These spacecraft use optical telescopes to image other satellites after making small changes to altitude and inclination to approach within a few dozen miles. China began launching satellites capable of similar close approaches in 2018.
nuclear-hardened strategic communications satellite and a U.S. missile warning platform. Russia previously focused its geosynchronous activities on signals intelligence. Satellites named Olymp or Luch have moved between orbital slots to spend months near Western communications satellites, some of which carry secure military traffic for the U.S.
and NATO. The purpose of Kosmos 2589 remains unclear. Some Western officials suspect it is a higher-altitude version of Russia's Nivelir anti-satellite system that has been tested in low-Earth orbit.
