Germany’s planned €35 billion investment in military space capabilities is confronting a problem that extends beyond launching more satellites. Russian military spacecraft have demonstrated the ability to maneuver near commercial intelligence satellites used by Western forces, raising concerns that orbital interference could undermine satellite services without an overt attack.
The warning follows revelations about Russian spacecraft operating near an imaging satellite belonging to Finnish-American space intelligence company ICEYE, a supplier of radar imagery to Ukraine and Western governments.
Reuters reported that Major General Michael Traut, commander of Germany’s Space Command, identified the Russian activity as a potential threat to larger commercial satellite networks, including SpaceX’s Starlink.
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The US Space Force confirmed that four Russian satellites, designated Cosmos 2610 through 2613, maneuvered close to an ICEYE spacecraft in May 2026. ICEYE separately confirmed its involvement to Reuters.
The developments are particularly relevant to Germany, which has already committed billions to military reconnaissance systems that depend on commercial satellite technology.
Russia’s orbital maneuvers
The Russian activity was first documented publicly in May by orbital intelligence analysts examining changes in spacecraft trajectories.
Greg Gillinger, a former US Air Force space intelligence officer, identified Russian satellites adjusting their orbital inclinations to align with ICEYE-X36, a synthetic aperture radar spacecraft operating roughly 550 kilometres above Earth.
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Initial analysis identified four Russian satellites making these adjustments. Subsequent research by Integrity ISR expanded the count to five, including Cosmos 2614.
The five spacecraft altered their orbital inclinations by approximately 0.8 degrees, moving into nearly the same orbital plane as ICEYE-X36, according to Integrity ISR’s May analysis.
These maneuvers required substantial propulsion resources and positioned the Russian spacecraft for repeated close approaches to the ICEYE satellite.
ICEYE subsequently adjusted its satellite’s orbit. Chief executive Rafal Modrzewski told Reuters that the change was followed by additional Russian maneuvers.
Separately, Integrity ISR’s August analysis documented an ICEYE-X36 altitude adjustment of approximately 600 metres in late June. The report also identified later Russian orbital changes and repeated approaches between the spacecraft.
Analysts recorded one approach involving ICEYE-X36 and Cosmos 2614 at approximately eight kilometres of separation. The analysis found no maneuver associated with that particular encounter.
Neither the orbital observations nor the official statements establish that Russia attempted to damage ICEYE’s spacecraft.
Starlink could face disruption without a direct attack
Traut’s concern extends beyond the targeting of individual reconnaissance satellites. He warned that the ability to coordinate multiple spacecraft around another satellite could be used against commercial constellations that support military communications.
One scenario outlined by the German commander involved a hostile spacecraft moving into the operational path of Starlink satellites and subsequently breaking apart.
Such an event could force other spacecraft to conduct collision-avoidance maneuvers, consuming fuel and potentially reducing their operational lifetimes.
Even without physical damage, unexpected orbital maneuvers can impose operational demands on satellite operators. Satellites carry finite propulsion resources used to maintain their positions, conduct adjustments, and avoid collisions.
ICEYE’s Modrzewski told Reuters that close orbital operations could be conducted “either to observe or potentially do harm.”
Belinda Marchand, chief scientist at space intelligence company Slingshot Aerospace, separately identified surveillance, preparations for interference, and demonstrations of capability as possible explanations for the Russian activity.
Germany’s €1.7-billion satellite contract
The developments intersect with Germany’s expanding investment in privately developed military space systems. In December 2025, Rheinmetall and ICEYE announced a reconnaissance contract worth approximately €1.7 billion, awarded through their joint venture Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions.
The agreement covers satellite-based radar imagery and associated services for Germany’s armed forces through 2030, with an option to extend.
The satellite constellation will remain owned by the joint venture rather than the German military. Its services are intended partly to support German forces deployed in Lithuania and improve surveillance of NATO’s eastern flank.
The contract includes satellite operations, ground station management, and artificial intelligence-assisted image analysis.
ICEYE’s technology uses synthetic aperture radar to obtain imagery at night and through cloud cover, giving military customers surveillance capabilities that conventional optical imaging systems cannot consistently provide.
The company also signed an expanded intelligence agreement with a customer within Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence in January 2026, continuing a relationship established in 2022.
Germany has already designated approximately €35 billion for military space capabilities through 2030, covering new infrastructure, surveillance, and measures to improve the resilience of space-based systems. The Bundeswehr has also identified inspector satellites as part of its approach to monitoring and responding to potential threats in orbit.
Traut told Reuters that Germany is developing spacecraft capable of examining other satellites and considering technologies that could interfere with hostile systems without physically destroying them. The focus on non-destructive measures reflects the risks associated with generating debris in densely used orbits.
Russia has previously maintained that Western commercial satellites supporting Ukraine may be legitimate targets for retaliation. In an October 2022 statement to the UN, Russian representative Konstantin Vorontsov described the military use of civilian space infrastructure as potential grounds for such action.
