Mysterious satellite likely on a mission

"Whatever it is, [Object 2014-28E] looks experimental," Patricia Lewis, research director at think-tank Chatham House and an expert in space security, said. "It could have a number of functions, some civilian and some military. Photo / Thinkstock

A mysterious Russian object is being tracked by space agencies, giving new life to fears about the increase of space weapons.

The satellite, dubbed Object 2014-28E, has grabbed the interest of official and amateur satellite-watchers because it is taking a confusing path and its purpose has not been identified, reports the Financial Times. The satellite can be tracked online, which amateur satellite-trackers have been doing.

Some think that it could be collecting space junk. Or it could be providing fuel or repairs to other satellites. But others fear that the satellite could be used to destroy enemy ones.

"Whatever it is, [Object 2014-28E] looks experimental," Patricia Lewis, research director at think-tank Chatham House and an expert in space security, said. "It could have a number of functions, some civilian and some military. One possibility is for some kind of grabber bar.

"Another would be kinetic pellets which shoot out at another satellite. Or possibly there could be a satellite-to-satellite cyber attack or jamming."

The satellite was launched in May, on a rocket that carried three other packages. The fourth, mysterious, object was initially thought to be debris, but after it performed complex manoeuvres the US reclassified it as a satellite.

Russia increased the reported amount of satellites that had been launched on the mission.

After some confusing moves between August and October, it moved towards another object last weekend. That could mean that it has finally intercepted its target and its mission has come to an end, say some watching it.

Anti-satellite weapons began to be developed in the 1950s. Russia developed its Istrebitel Sputnik (fighter satellite) in the early 1960s -- the satellite was designed to fly close to other satellites and detonate a warhead that would bring it down.

Russia has officially called off the programme, though other anti-satellite weapons have been demonstrated by countries including China and the US. They have mostly been used to destroy satellites that might otherwise have posed a danger if they fell to earth.

Russia may also seek to leave the International Space Station project, and instead start building its own station from 2017. It has reportedly said the angle at which the ISS is tilted towards the earth means that no more than 5 per cent of Russia can be seen, but a new placement will let it see up to 90 per cent.

5 details about the launch

•On December 25, 2013 Russia begins a mission to add three Rodnik communication satellites to its existing military constellation.

•On May 5 this year, Russia reveals the launch sent four satellites. Radar observations show the fourth performing unusual manoeuvres to change orbit.

•On November 9, manoeuvres culminate in close approach to Briz-KM upper stage of rocket that launched the satellites.

•The Russian mission follows similar tests by the US which launched Angels satellite in July this year and China which launched the Shijian 15 satellite in July 2013.

•Explicit testing of such weapons in space is prohibited by international treaties. - Graphic News