Id: 75

Published: 07/29/2025

Description:

LUCH-5X (SSC.55841), a Russian military GEO satellite tied to the Ministry of Defense and FSB, has been closely shadowing INTELSAT-39 (SSC.44476) since March 2025—remaining within 50 km. The pair reached their closest approach of this month on 22 July: ~12 km, according to our system. LUCH-5X, also known as Luch Olymp K2, is the successor to Luch Olymp K1, which remains operational. Both are believed to carry out ELINT missions—often positioning near commercial communications satellites to intercept uplinked transmissions. On the other hand, INTELSAT-39, stationed at 62°E, provides vital C/Ku-band communications across Asia, Africa, and Europe. This "up close and personal" behavior by LUCH-5X is a part of a broader pattern of close approaches seen over several years.