US Accuses Russian Spacecraft of Dangerous Close Approach to Iceye-X36

Russia's Cosmos 2612 satellite maneuvered to within less than a mile of the commercial Iceye-X36 craft, adjusting altitude and speed to match it. US undersecretary Thomas DiNanno called the move "threatening behavior" consistent with "on-orbit weapons operations," while Moscow dismissed the accusations as unfounded.

• Cosmos 2612 closed to under a mile of Iceye-X36 at 17,000 mph
• US called the maneuver "threatening behavior" and possible orbital weapons operations
• Russia denied its satellites are armed, calling the accusations unfounded
• Iceye-X36 is part of a constellation of over 50 radar satellites