A Russian satellite, believed to be connected to the country’s controversial anti-satellite weapon program, appears to be malfunctioning, fueling concerns over its potential impact on military operations in space. According to U.S. analysts, the Cosmos 2553 satellite—which has been at the center of a long-standing dispute about Russia’s space weapons—has been spinning uncontrollably, suggesting that it may no longer be functional.
The satellite was launched in December 2022, just weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Initially, it was promoted by Moscow as a research satellite, but U.S. officials have raised suspicions that it could be involved in testing technology for a nuclear anti-satellite weapon. These concerns were further fueled by earlier reports that Russia had been developing space-based weapons designed to disrupt satellite networks, such as SpaceX’s Starlink system, which is critical for Ukrainian communications and military operations.
Over the past year, Cosmos 2553 has exhibited erratic behavior in its orbit, with space-tracking firms like LeoLabs and Slingshot Aerospace detecting signs of tumbling. In December 2024, LeoLabs confirmed that the satellite appeared to be “spinning uncontrollably,” a strong indication that it may no longer be operational.
While Russia has denied any military intent behind Cosmos 2553, labeling it as a scientific satellite, the U.S. has expressed skepticism, pointing out the satellite’s unusual orbit and its potential role in enhancing Russia’s counter-space capabilities. U.S. Space Command has acknowledged the satellite’s altitude change but refrained from providing further details on its status.
This development comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, as the race for space-based military dominance intensifies. The U.S. and Russia, along with China, are heavily investing in space technologies, which are increasingly seen as crucial to modern warfare. Experts warn that as space becomes more militarized, the risk of miscalculations and escalations grows, especially with the growing number of military satellites in orbit.