Russian Spacecraft Intercept European Satellite Signals

European security officials have confirmed that two Russian spacecraft, known as Luch-1 and Luch-2, have intercepted communications from at least a dozen critical European satellites operating in geostationary orbit. The maneuvers, which involve close approaches to these high-value assets, have raised alarms about potential espionage and disruption capabilities, according to intelligence and military sources monitoring orbital activity.

The interceptions occurred at an altitude of approximately 22,000 miles above Earth, where the satellites provide essential communications services across Europe, the United Kingdom, parts of Africa, and the Middle East. Luch-2, launched in 2023, has approached at least 17 European satellites since entering orbit, lingering in proximity for weeks at a time. Luch-1, operational for several years, has exhibited similar behavior. Ground-based telescopes and orbital tracking data indicate that the Russian craft positioned themselves within the data beams linking the satellites to ground control stations, enabling the capture of transmitted signals.

Officials attribute the activity to signals intelligence gathering, or SIGINT. "Both satellites are...