The US reported the loss of control of a Russian satellite linked to nuclear weapons

According to US data, the Russian satellite “Kosmos-2553” may be associated with the development of nuclear anti-satellite weapons. It has gone out of control and begun to rotate uncontrollably in orbit. This may indicate a malfunction, which, in turn, will complicate Russia’s efforts to create space weapons, US analysts say.

The satellite was launched into orbit a few weeks before the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Its rotation is characterized by anomalous movements, recorded using Doppler radars from LeoLabs and optical observations from Slingshot Aerospace.

According to US reports, “Kosmos-2553” is intended for testing in conditions of increased radiation background and can be used to develop nuclear weapons capable of destroying satellite networks, such as Starlink, which are actively used by the Ukrainian armed forces. The Russian side denies the existence of such weapons, claiming that the satellite has a scientific purpose.

The satellite is about 2,000 km above the Earth, where the location of communication or surveillance satellites is unlikely due to high levels of cosmic radiation. In November 2024, LeoLabs recorded instability in the satellite’s flight, and in December, the confidence level in its malfunction was raised to “high” after receiving additional data. The Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington confirmed that LeoLabs’ observations “strongly indicate a loss of operability”.

Slingshot Aerospace also noted that in May 2024, the brightness of the satellite changed, which indicated rotation. According to their latest data, the satellite has stabilized.

The Pentagon and the US Space Force refrain from commenting on the satellite’s condition but confirmed that its altitude has changed. They stressed that Russia’s stated mission objectives do not match the satellite’s behavior, which could lead to misunderstandings and aggravation of the situation in space.

Kosmos-2553 is just one of many Russian satellites that may have a military or intelligence purpose. Moscow has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the Ukrainian military’s use of Starlink, which it considers a legitimate military purpose.