Russian spacecraft are stalking an advanced U.S. spy satellite
Russian spacecraft are stalking an advanced U.S. spy satellite

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA — Two mysterious Russian spacecraft have been shadowing a U.S. reconnaissance satellite since November, coming to as close to 100 miles at times, U.S. Space Force commander General John Raymond confirmed to Time in a report dated to Feb.

10.[e] Citing outside experts, Time reports that the U.S. KH-11 satellite is about the size of a bus and its spying sensors are believed to be as powerful as the Hubble Space Telescope's.

Citing General Raymond, Time reports that the Russians launched a Soyuz rocket in November with a payload that separated into the two stalking satellites.

General Raymond says he believes the bigger satellite acted as a carrier for the small one.

Satellite watcher Michael Thompson — who first broke the story in January — tweeted that the Russian orbit was cleverly designed.

The orbit the pair of satellites holds allows the two to observe KH-11 from one side during daytime and the other at night.