Russian space vehicles Luch‑1 and Luch‑2 have reportedly shadowed at least a dozen European geostationary satellites, officials say. The close approaches, lasting weeks, risk exposing unencrypted command links and could let Moscow manipulate or even crash the satellites. The moves come amid heightened tensions after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Intelsat and other commercial operators, many launched before 2010, lack modern encryption, leaving them vulnerable. Analysts warn that intercepted command data could enable Russia to issue false thruster commands, nudging satellites off course or causing collisions. Such interference would cripple satellite‑based TV, navigation, and military communications across Europe.

European intelligence agencies have catalogued Luch‑2’s 17 close passes, including Intelsat 39, and noted similar patterns from new Cosmos satellites. While the vehicles cannot jam, they gather operational details that could inform future cyber or kinetic attacks. The episode underscores the growing threat of space‑based espionage to commercial and defense sectors.

Investors in satellite operators face heightened risk premiums as regulators push for stronger encryption standards. Companies like Intelsat are already upgrading onboard systems, while European space agencies are exploring counter‑measure protocols. Market watchers should monitor policy responses and potential litigation over data security breaches that could depress satellite valuations.