Russia released a mysterious object into the Earth’s orbit, raising fears over potential military or experimental space operations, it was claimed.
The unknown object appeared after the launch of three satellites – Kosmos 2581, 2582, and 2583 – aboard a Soyuz-2.1V carrier rocket.
This was the Kremlin’s first space launch this year – in ‘the interests of the ministry of defence’ – as stated in the official statement.
It lifted off from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the northwest town of Mirny, with a military satellite on board, on February 2.
Since then, the classified trio of satellites have displayed unusual behavior while orbiting 364 miles above Earth.
With no official explanation from the Russian government, this has fuelled speculation about what their true purpose is.
British-American astronomer and astrophysicist, Jonathan McDowell, has since said that the unidentified object may have separated from Kosmos-2583 earlier in March.
It follows the US Space Force cataloging a new object in the orbit that is associated with the satellites.
A number of objectives could be behind it, including military experiments, such as satellite inspection or target practice, and testing technology.
The Russian Soyuz rocket was launched as needed for space missions, including carrying equipment and astronauts to the International Space Station.
According to the European Space Agency, the Soyuz vehicles have had nearly 1,700 launches so far.
The Soyuz launches for scientific and exploratory purposes are usually announced by Russia’s Roscosmos space agency.
The Plesetsk Cosmodrome is used for launching vehicles with military satellites. In October, the cosmodrome was used for test-firing the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile.
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