After several tests of unusual “nesting doll” satellites in low-Earth orbit, Russia is now fielding operational anti-satellite weapons with valuable US government satellites in their crosshairs, the four-star general leading US Space Command said this week.
Gen. Stephen Whiting didn’t name the system, but he was almost certainly referring to a Russian military program named Nivelir, which has launched four satellites shadowing US spy satellites owned by the National Reconnaissance Office in low-Earth orbit. After reaching orbit, the Nivelir satellites have released smaller ships to start their own maneuvers, and at least one of those lobbed a mystery object at high velocity during a test in 2020. US analysts concluded this was a projectile that could be fired at another satellite.
US officials have compared the Nivelir architecture to a Matryoshka doll, or a Russian nesting doll, with an outer shell concealing smaller, unknown figures inside.
This post highlights an important development in space security. The advancements in co-orbital ASAT weapons certainly raise significant concerns about the future of space operations. It’s crucial to stay informed about these evolving technologies.
Absolutely, the rise of co-orbital ASAT weapons certainly raises significant concerns about the future of space safety. It’s also interesting to note how these developments could impact international space treaties and cooperation among nations.