Russian Satellite Trails US Spy Satellite Raising Security Concerns

In a development that underscores the rising tensions in space, a newly launched Russian satellite, Cosmos 2588, has been observed closely trailing a U.S. reconnaissance satellite known as USA 338. This proximity, occurring in low Earth orbit, has triggered concerns among U.S. Space Command officials about the satellite’s potential role in Russia’s anti-satellite weapon program.

Launched on May 23, 2025, Cosmos 2588 occupies a near-circular orbit that places it alarmingly close to USA 338, a classified U.S. government satellite believed to be part of the National Reconnaissance Office’s KH-series electro-optical surveillance network. The Russian satellite’s orbit is slightly higher, enabling it to perform close flybys approximately every four days, coming within 62 miles (100 kilometers) of the U.S. asset.

Experts tracking these satellites, including Slingshot Aerospace and astronomer Marco Langbroek, interpret this behavior as deliberate stalking rather than coincidence. Cosmos 2588 is suspected to be a NIVELIR military inspection satellite potentially equipped with kinetic weaponry, designed to monitor or even threaten U.S. space assets.

This incident is not isolated. Since 2020, Russia has launched multiple satellites into orbits closely aligned with U.S. military satellites, raising suspicions about their intent to develop and deploy anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons. In 2021, Russia conducted a destructive ASAT missile test, creating thousands of pieces of orbital debris and prompting international condemnation and a UN resolution led by the U.S. to curb such tests.

The strategic implications are profound. Satellites like Cosmos 2588 could be used to surveil, interfere with, or even physically disable U.S. reconnaissance satellites, threatening national security and the stability of space operations. The pattern of close orbital proximity signals a new frontier in space-based military competition, where satellites themselves become instruments of espionage and potential conflict.

While the U.S. has also engaged in close approaches to other space assets, the frequency and nature of Russia’s satellite maneuvers suggest a focused effort to develop counterspace capabilities. Monitoring these activities is critical for maintaining space situational awareness and protecting vital satellite infrastructure.

As space becomes an increasingly contested domain, the international community faces the challenge of balancing technological advancement with the need for stability and security. The ongoing developments highlight the urgency for robust space traffic management, transparency, and diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation.