Two Russian spacecraft intercepted communications from 12 European satellites, risking their manipulation.

European security officials have identified two Russian space vehicles, Luch-1 and Luch-2, which have intercepted communications from at least 12 European satellites, putting sensitive information transmitted by them at risk.

These vehicles have performed suspicious maneuvers, approaching geostationary satellites serving Europe. Their activities are considered to be of the sigint type (signal intelligence), and the data collected could allow Russia to manipulate the trajectories of the satellites or coordinate attacks on Western interests. Additionally, the vehicles could intercept the command link of the satellites, allowing them to send false commands, which could lead to the crashing or deviation of the satellites. Although Luch-1 may be non-functional, Russia is intensifying its reconnaissance activities in space, launching new satellites with similar capabilities.