MOSCOW: Russia announced on Wednesday that it has significantly enhanced its defence capabilities for tracking objects in space, enabling faster detection and determination of the purpose of foreign spacecraft.
During a visit to a new facility in Russia’s western military district, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu received a briefing from Colonel General Alexander Golovko, commander of Russian space forces, according to the Ministry of Defence. The ministry stated that the new site possesses “unique capabilities for automatic search, detection, and control of small space objects in near-Earth space.”
It further mentioned that the system can track objects as small as 10 cm (4 inches). The development is seen as a testament to Russia’s technological advancements in military equipment, with the country asserting its ability to surpass other nations in this field. This claim comes despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russia has faced challenges against a highly motivated defending army equipped with advanced NATO weapons.
Capabilities of Russia’s Defence System
The ministry noted that by 2027, the system would be capable of detecting spacecraft post-launch four times faster than the current rate and determining their purpose twice as fast. Russia’s commitment to enhancing its space surveillance capabilities reflects its growing emphasis on space as a domain for military activities.
The ability to track and monitor objects in space has become crucial for national security, as it enables early detection of potential threats and offers strategic advantages. The latest technological advancements in tracking and identifying space objects will likely bolster Russia’s space situational awareness, allowing it to monitor foreign spacecraft and assess their intentions promptly.
