Is 'Object 2014-28E' A Russian Satellite Killer? (Updated)

An artist’s conception of a Soviet anti-satellite weapon destroying a satellite in 1984. (Defense Department Photo)

Unusual Russian Orbiter Has Stargazers Wondering: Is It A Satellite Killer? -- Fred Weir, CSM

Object 2014-28E, a Russian satellite, has been scooting across the skies in an odd fashion – and stirring speculation that Russia has reignited its space-weapons program.

Moscow — Is it just a piece of space junk, or an orbital predator?

That is the question many amateur astronomers and, no doubt, military professionals are asking themselves as they track an odd space vehicle, known as Object 2014-28E, as it appears to maneuver among other satellites. Some suggest it could be the reincarnation of the top-secret Soviet-era "Istrebitel Sputnikov" satellite killer program, which was shelved when the USSR collapsed more than two decades ago.

The object, launched last May in a cluster with several other Russian satellites, was originally classified as space debris. But then it started moving around in ways uncharacteristic for inert trash, and it rang alarm bells last weekend when it appeared to rendezvous with a piece of the rocket that originally launched it.

Read more ....

Previous Post: Is Russia's Anti-Satellite Weapons Program Back In Business?

More News On Reports That Russia Has Launched A "Satellite Killer"

A mysterious Russian space object could be the return of the ‘satellite killer’ -- Washington Post
Object 2014-28E—Space junk or Russian satellite killer? -- CNBC/Financial Times
Russia Launches Mysterious Satellite -- The Independent
Russian space object raises concerns in West -- Irish Times
Is Russia flying a satellite killer around space? Unidentified Russian satellite prompts space weapon worries -- Independent.ie
Has Russia launched a top secret satellite killer? Amateur observers speculate on mysterious 'Object 2014-28E' in orbit -- Daily Mail
Fears Russia Has Launched Satellite-Destroying Mission Ignited Over Mystery Object 2014-28E -- IBTimes
Russia’s Mysterious Satellite Fuels Speculation -- Polly Mosendz, Newsweek
What is Object 2014-28E – a Russian military satellite or a piece of unidentified debris? -- The Guardian
In the Sky, the Sign of a New Cold War? -- Emily Greenhouse, Bloomberg
Russia tests 'satellite catcher' -- Paul Rincon, BBC

Is Russia's Anti-Satellite Weapons Program Back In Business?

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) takes part in a video link with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu onboard the Vice-Admiral Kulakov anti-submarine warfare ship in Novorossiysk, Russia. Mikhail Klimentyev / Reuters/RIA Novosti/Kremlin

Object 2014-28E – Space Junk Or Russian Satellite Killer? -- Financial Times

It is a tale that could have come from the cold war. A mysterious object launched by the Russian military is being tracked by western space agencies, stoking fears over the revival of a defunct Kremlin project to destroy satellites.

For the past few weeks, amateur astronomers and satellite-trackers in Russia and the west have followed the unusual manoeuvres of Object 2014-28E, watching it guide itself towards other Russian space objects. The pattern appeared to culminate last weekend in a rendezvous with the remains of the rocket stage that launched it.

The object had originally been classed as space debris, propelled into orbit as part of a Russian rocket launch in May to add three Rodnik communications satellites to an existing military constellation. The US military is now tracking it under the Norad designation 39765.

Read more ....

My Comment: The Russians are not the only ones who are pursuing an active anti-satellite weapons program .... China conducted two anti-satellite tests: Voice of Russia (Want China Times).

China's Space Weapons Program Continues To Grow

Missiles are displayed in a parade to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, in Beijing on Oct. 1, 2009. Jason Lee/Reuters

Stratcom: China Continuing to Weaponize Space with Latest Anti-Satellite Missile Shot -- Washington Free Beacon

July 23 test 'concerning,' 'problematic'

OMAHA—China last month conducted another test of a satellite-killing missile that reflects Chinese efforts to weaponize space, the commander of the U.S. Strategic Command said Wednesday.

“It’s very problematic to see China working to weaponize space in tests like this one they just had, and so [it’s] very concerning to me as the U.S. Strategic Command commander, and to our nation at large, given our dependency on that capability,” said Adm. Cecil D. Haney, Strategic Command chief.

Haney, speaking to reporters after remarks to a Stratcom-sponsored conference on nuclear deterrence, also voiced worries about the recent increase in Russian strategic nuclear bomber incursions into U.S. air defense identification zones near Alaska and close to U.S. territory.

Read more ....

Update: China Is Developing Alarming High-Tech Weapons Systems -- Business Insider

My Comment:These test are showing the direction that China wants to go .... China Conducted Anti-Satellite Missile Test (The Diplomat). Not surprising .... the U.S. and it's allies are developing counter measures .... As China Stalks Satellites, U.S. and Japan Prepare to Defend Them (Bloomberg Businessweek)