Cosmos trio demonstrates advanced orbital rendezvous with 3-meter proximity

Three Russian COSMOS satellites (2581, 2582, 2583) along with a subsatellite named Object F conducted a complex proximity event in low Earth orbit, with COSMOS 2581 and 2583 passing within about 10 feet (3 meters) on April 28. Radar tracking and analysis by COMSPOC (with LeoLabs data) concluded this was not a coincidence, signaling sophisticated orbital maneuvering by Russia. The trio launched in February 2025 and have repeatedly engaged in rendezvous operations, a capability also observed in other space powers.