An Angara rocket launches the COSMOS 2560 satellite from Plesetsk Cosmodrome on Oct. 15, 2022. Another trio in the COSMOS series – COSMOS 2581, 2582 and 2583 – launched in February 2025 and has performed sophisticated rendevzous operations in orbit. (Image credit: Roscosmos)
Two Russian satellites have carried out an unusually close orbital maneuver, approaching within roughly 10 feet of each other in low Earth orbit. Space analysts say the operation appears deliberate and highly sophisticated, raising fresh questions about Russia’s satellite capabilities and potential military applications in space.
The satellites involved, COSMOS 2581 and COSMOS 2583, reportedly performed the maneuver on April 28. Data analyzed by space situational awareness company COMSPOC showed that COSMOS 2583 executed several small adjustments to maintain the extremely close formation rather than simply passing nearby by chance, as reported by Space.com.
The satellites are part of a trio, including COSMOS 2582, launched aboard a Soyuz rocket in February 2025. Analysts said all three spacecraft participated in what are known as rendezvous and proximity operations, or RPOs. A smaller deployed object, referred to as “Object F,” was also involved during parts of the operation.
According to COMSPOC, COSMOS 2582 remained within less than 100 kilometers of the close-approach formation while Object F passed near both satellites during the sequence. Radar tracking data used in the analysis came from California-based tracking company LeoLabs.
Experts say this level of orbital coordination requires advanced propulsion, navigation, and control systems. Maintaining separation of only a few meters in orbit is technically difficult because satellites travel at extremely high speeds and are constantly affected by gravitational forces and atmospheric drag.
While the exact purpose of the maneuver has not been disclosed, similar operations have historically been linked to satellite inspection, testing, docking technology, or military space capabilities. Russia has previously operated so-called “inspector satellites” designed to approach and observe other spacecraft in orbit. One earlier example involved COSMOS 2542, which approached a U.S. reconnaissance satellite in 2020.
The United States and China have also demonstrated comparable orbital capabilities in recent years. Close-proximity satellite operations are becoming increasingly important for both civilian and defense-related space activities, including satellite servicing, repairs, intelligence gathering, and counterspace technologies.
COMSPOC described the latest Russian maneuvers as particularly advanced due to the coordination between multiple objects over an extended period. Analysts noted that the satellites had reportedly conducted other multi-object orbital exercises since late 2025.
The event adds to growing international attention around military and strategic competition in orbit, where satellite maneuverability is becoming as important as launch capability itself.