Germany warns that Russian satellites could disrupt Elon Musk's Starlink network

The maneuvers of four Russian military satellites near a commercial ICEYE satellite, used to provide intelligence to Ukraine, demonstrate capabilities that could threaten networks such as Starlink, German General Michael Traut warned in an interview with Reuters.

In May, Cosmos 2610-2613 satellites approached the ICEYE spacecraft, according to the United States Space Force. General Traut described the action as stalking and warned that Russia could disrupt a megaconstellation without a direct attack, through maneuvers that would force satellites to consume fuel to avoid collisions.

Such operations could reduce the spacecraft's operational lifespan and the quality of services for users. ICEYE confirmed the incident and subsequently repositioned the satellite. Experts believe the Russian maneuvers may have aimed to conduct surveillance, test Western responses, or prepare interference operations.

The warning comes amid an intensification, following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, of Russian jamming and orbital proximity activities. Moscow has not commented on the allegations, but has warned that Western commercial satellites supporting Ukraine could become targets. Germany is currently developing its own space monitoring and protection capabilities.

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