A mysterious Russian satellite, Cosmos 2553, is spinning uncontrollably in orbit, raising serious concerns among space analysts and officials.
Launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome just weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Cosmos 2553 is now believed to be non-operational.
Radar data from space-tracking firm LeoLabs suggests the satellite has been tumbling uncontrollably since November 2024.
Experts believe the satellite may have been designed to test technologies for future orbital nuclear weapons, increasing tensions globally.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence described Cosmos 2553 as a technological spacecraft for testing new instruments under radiation exposure.
However, the Space Threat Assessment report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) warns it may carry a dummy warhead.
“If testing new technologies, a remote orbit would reduce risks to other satellites and make tracking difficult,” the CSIS stated.
Officials say a nuclear detonation at around 2,000 kilometres altitude would be devastating, disabling low-Earth orbit for at least a year.
One possible target of such a weapon could be SpaceX’s Starlink system, heavily relied upon by Ukraine’s military operations.
Mallory Stewart, former US Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, confirmed Russia’s nuclear counterspace weapon tests last year.
The satellite’s unusual orbit, located in a relatively high-radiation zone but not ideal for radiation testing, remains highly suspicious.
In April 2024, Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution reinforcing the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, further raising international alarm.
Moscow argued the veto was necessary because the resolution failed to restrict other categories of weapons in space.
The situation is still developing.
