# Russian satellite shadows US one for days

> Russian satellite chases US satellite within 5km for days in rare space move.
- Title: Russian satellite shadows US one for days · MercoPress
- Summary: Russian satellite chases US satellite within 5km for days in rare space move. A Russian military satellite maneuvered within 5km of a US commercial satellite…
- Keywords: russia, satellites, iceye-x36, kosmos-2612, leo labs, news, world, politics, Russian, satellite, shadows, one
- Source: MercoPress — https://en.mercopress.com/2026/10/20/a-russian-satellite-shadows-a-us-one-for-days-in-an-unprecedented-manoeuvre
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: russia, satellites, us, iceye-x36, kosmos-2612, leo labs, news, world, politics
## Russian satellite maneuvers
A Russian military satellite, Kosmos-2612, maneuvered for several days at close range to a US commercial satellite.
## Close approach details
It came within five kilometers on October 16 and then withdrew, now over 100 kilometers away.
## Tracking company report
LeoLabs says it had never before observed a deliberate approach of this kind sustained over several days.
## Expert reaction
Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell called it an unprecedented step by Russia if correct.
## Space command warning
Germany's Space Command head warned such maneuvers force satellites to adjust orbits, consuming fuel.
## Key takeaway

A Russian military satellite maneuvered within 5km of a US commercial satellite for days, the first known active satellite encounter without consent.