Russia tests military satellite capable of approaching other spacecraft - newspaper
MOSCOW. Oct 26 (Interfax) - The Russian Space Forces have successfully tested an inspection satellite capable of approaching other spacecraft, the newspaper Izvestia said on Thursday.
"In trials involving controlling the maneuvering defense satellite, ground and orbital communication systems were tested, and methods involving ballistic estimates and new software were employed," the newspaper said, citing the Defense Ministry.
"The Space Forces proved their ability to ensure the satellite's automatic undocking from the platform, the remote control of its flight, and the activation of the satellite payload, including surveillance hardware, data transfer to Earth, and data processing," the newspaper said.
The inspector satellite, coupled with the Kosmos-2519 platform, was launched on June 23. The satellite undocked from the platform, performed an autonomous flight, changed its orbit, conducted an inspection, and returned to base, the newspaper said.
According to Russia's Main Space Surveillance Center, the United States and China are implementing similar projects.