[["Russian Satellite Deploys Mysterious Object in Orbit"]]

On April 7, Live Science reported that three Russian secret military satellites launched in early 2025 deployed a mysterious object in orbit, drawing attention from experts and analysts tracking spacecraft.

It is understood that these refer to three satellites named Cosmos 2581, Cosmos 2582, and Cosmos 2583. They were launched on February 2 aboard a Soyuz-2.1B rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. The purpose of these satellites remains unknown. Experts have noticed interesting behavior from these satellites in near-polar orbits.

Astrophysicist and spacecraft tracker Jonathan McDowell believes that in March, these satellites may have conducted close approaches or maneuvers near other objects in space. Afterward, the U.S. Space Force discovered a new object in orbit, which was likely released by the Cosmos 2581 satellite on the 18th of that month.

The Russian side has provided no detailed information about its satellite activities. Analysts believe that this unidentified object in orbit could serve multiple purposes, including military experiments, docking technology tests, or formation flying. There are also speculations that it might be a payload of a spacecraft or the result of accidental fragmentation, although such fragmentation usually produces a large amount of debris.

Reports indicate that since 1962, the Soviet Union has used the "Cosmos" designation to refer to a wide range of military and scientific satellites. These spacecraft have various purposes; some are experimental, others are classified, and some are part of military projects, including early anti-satellite weapon trials or reconnaissance missions.

Previously, Sky News UK reported that U.S. intelligence mentioned in its annual threat assessment that Russia is developing a new type of satellite capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which could have "catastrophic consequences" for the United States and the entire world.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1828806780546124/

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