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Russian Spy Satellite Breaks Apart in Orbit, Raising Debris Fears
The Luch/Olymp satellite fragmented in a graveyard orbit after decommissioning, raising concerns about debris risks in geostationary space, experts say.
- On January 30, 2026, the Luch/Olymp satellite fragmented in a graveyard orbit, and Swiss firm s2A systems posted a time-lapse showing debris surrounding the satellite.
- The Luch/Olymp satellite was launched in September 2014 and was decommissioned and moved to a graveyard orbit around 36,050 km in October 2025 after frequent GEO maneuvers.
- Jonathan McDowell noted the breakup may reflect a debris strike rather than an internal failure, while s2A systems and space-tracking firms including LeoLabs reported irregular movements consistent with a collision on January 30, 2026.
- Space-Tracking networks continue to monitor the graveyard orbit debris cloud to assess its evolution and threat to operational satellites in GEO and nearby regions.
- The incident occurs amid rising concern about counter-space technologies that could generate widespread debris, with the satellite linked to Russia's Federal Security Service and a 2015 U.S. protest over its proximity to Intelsat satellites.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
The reconnaissance satellite Luch Olymp K2 was destroyed after a collision with space debris. Known for its espionage activities, it had been placed in "cimeter" orbit by Russia. Its successors...
It is not yet clear whether this incident is accidental or deliberate action.
·Paris, France
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A Russian satellite, originally used to inspect other spacecraft, seems to be falling high above the earth. A Swiss company shows images.
·Berlin, Germany
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Russian 'inspector' satellite appears to break apart in orbit, raising debris concerns
Ground-based observations suggest the former geostationary inspector satellite suffered a fragmentation event months after retirement, raising new concerns about debris in high Earth orbit.
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Center, 40% Right
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center, 40% of the sources lean Right
40% Right
L 20%
C 40%
R 40%
Factuality
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