BLACK SEA — Between May 14 and 20, Russia repositioned five of six recently launched Cosmos military satellites from an orbital inclination of 97 degrees to 97.8 degrees. The satellites—Cosmos 2610, 2611, 2612, 2613, and 2614—were placed on the same orbital plane as the Ukrainian-operated satellite ICEYE-X36.

ICEYE-X36 was launched on March 4, 2024, from Vandenberg Space Force Base aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite is registered under ICEYE US, weighs approximately 90 kilograms, and is part of a constellation of more than 44 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites operated by the Finnish-American company ICEYE. Ukraine can task this constellation for imaging, and ICEYE-X36 specifically has a ground resolution of 16 centimeters.

ICEYE-X36 is owned by Ukraine and operated by Kyiv with help from NATO and NATO-linked companies. According to the most recent report, ICEYE-X36 has produced 4,100 images, located 238 Russian air defense and signals intelligence units, and supported targeting operations against 153 fuel depots and 17 Russian naval bases.

Russia currently operates one SAR satellite of its own, Obzor-R, developed by Roscosmos and TsSKB-Progress. It features a Kasatka-R X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar with a claimed resolution of one meter. Russian officials have stated they intend to eventually produce three additional Obzor-class SAR satellites.

The RC-135W Rivet Joint intercepts and analyzes electronic signals to provide real-time battlefield intelligence.

The Russian Cosmos satellites are likely positioned for a Rendezvous and Proximity Operation (RPO). Such operations involve maneuvering spacecraft to approach or inspect other satellites, and can serve reconnaissance, interference, or defensive purposes. The alignment of the Cosmos satellites with ICEYE-X36’s orbital plane marks a precise and deliberate orbital adjustment by Russia over a six-day period.