Space & Astronomy

Does Russia have a space weapon in orbit ?

By T.K. Randall
November 18, 2014 ·  24 comments

Russia launched the satellite in secret back in May. Image Credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann The object has been gaining the attention of both space agencies and amateur satellite-watchers due to its unconventional orbit and because to date nobody has been able to explain what it is.

Some believe that it could be a system for picking up space debris while others subscribe to the idea that it is some type of weapon designed to attack and destroy other satellites.

Its launch back in May was not declared at the time."Whatever it is, it looks experimental," said space security expert Patricia Lewis. "It could have a number of functions, some civilian and some military. One possibility is for some kind of grabber bar."

"Another would be kinetic pellets which shoot out at another satellite. Or possibly there could be a satellite-to-satellite cyber attack or jamming."

At the weekend the satellite was observed moving towards another object, fuelling suggestions that it may have finally intercepted its intended target and completed its mission.

Source: Independent | Comments (24)

Tags: Space Weapon, Satellite