The Ukrainian military claims that Russia uses images from a US satellite company to guide cruise missile attacks. It’s a surprisingly cost-effective investment. These images can cost just a few thousand dollars. This may seem like a lot of money, but it’s practically negligible compared to a missile that costs about $1 million. Furthermore, these purchases may be made strategically through third-party companies, effectively hiding their Russian origins and circumventing sanctions.
Moreover, the satellite imagery market is a treasure trove of comprehensive high-resolution images, all of which are timestamped and co-ordinated. These images are an invaluable tool for monitoring the movements and activities of potential targets.
According to Ukrainian military sources cited by The Atlantic, a clear pattern has emerged. The satellite takes a photo of the location marked as a target for attack. Within days or weeks, Russian missiles will strike the designated targets. An order for another satellite image of the same location will then be submitted, presumably to assess the aftermath of the operation. As the source succinctly states, “There are too many coincidences to call it a coincidence.” Point out undeniable patterns.
some examples
On April 2, 2022, the region around Mirgorod was shaken by a missile attack on a military airport. Notably, the US company had requested images of the airport on nine separate occasions prior to this incident. Interestingly, another photo of the scene was obtained a week after the attack. This pattern of events was not unique to Mirgorod. For example, in Lviv he had a weapons factory bombed on March 26, 2022. Later, in January 2024, a similar incident occurred in Kiev and made headlines. Prior to this major missile attack, updated images of the city had been ordered.
Ukrainian officials say hundreds of such cases have been reported. Defense Ministry experts suspect that Russia has access to satellite images. “Third Party Company” We work with industry giants like Maxar and Planet Lab. This theory is supported by Deputy Defense Minister Katerina Chernorenko.
Chernorenko believes American companies will support Ukraine. These companies echoed her views and announced they would end their relationships with Russia in March 2022 while closely scrutinizing her customer base. However, the result of their work is “It could be used to carry out an armed attack against Ukraine.” According to Chernorenko.
Is there any control?
Despite claims that Ukraine’s technological capabilities are limited, the Ukrainian military monitors Russian satellites. Previously, the idea that a private company could distribute satellite images revealing vulnerable military zones was unimaginable. But a source who spoke to The Atlantic said such cases have become increasingly common over the past six months, raising questions about their randomness.
An executive at a company specializing in satellite image analysis admitted to the American publication that it had identified more than 350 incidents in the first year of the conflict. There was a correlation between the purchased photos and Russian missile attacks on deeply entrenched targets in Ukraine. The executive also added that companies like Maxar and Planet Labs will have more controls over their customer base as well as the resale of images to prevent these important images from falling into Russian hands. He emphasized that it should be done.
Here’s an interesting experiment to consider. An American journalist took the plunge and requested some recent photos of Zaporizhzhia, a city perilously close to the front lines, from a distribution company affiliated with Planet Lab. With just a few clicks and keystrokes, he shared his ID and card details, and in no time, he was able to view high-resolution images of the city.
satellite at war
Let’s dig deeper into the importance of satellite imagery, especially high-resolution satellite imagery. High-resolution satellite imagery over areas of suspected military missile attacks can provide a wealth of information. The first thing it reveals is the geographic location of the area. This includes natural features such as mountains, rivers, and forests, as well as man-made structures such as buildings, roads, and bridges. Understanding the terrain is essential for assessing the impact of a missile attack and strategizing potential countermeasures.
Second, satellite images can reveal the presence of military facilities and equipment. This could include missile launch pads, military bases, radar systems, and other infrastructure. The existence of such facilities could support suspicions of a missile attack. The size, shape, and placement of these facilities can also provide insight into enemy capabilities and intentions.
Third, satellite images may show signs of recent activity that could suggest a missile launch. This could include heat signatures, smoke trails, or disturbed ground. Such a sign would not only confirm a missile launch, but also provide hints about the missile’s trajectory and potential targets. Finally, if a missile attack is suspected, high-resolution satellite imagery can show the extent of the damage. This may include craters, destroyed buildings, or other signs of destruction. This information is critical for assessing the effectiveness of strikes and developing strategies for recovery and retaliation.
you should know
BulgarianMilitary.com shares some interesting details highlighting the connection between satellites and the conflict in Ukraine. Interestingly, almost 70% of control over international commercial satellite imagery is held by US companies. In the past five years, Russia has reportedly spent more than $200 million on commercial satellite data to support its efforts.
The city of Kiev has withstood more than 200 airstrikes since the start of the fighting. Russia’s military budget increased by 5.4% in 2020, with significant funds allocated to surveillance and intelligence purposes.
Interestingly, more than 80% of airstrikes in Kiev are aimed precisely at military installations and strategic locations. Over the past three years, the US satellite company has seen a 15% increase in sales from overseas customers. In 2021, Russia secured its position as the world’s third largest purchaser of commercial satellite imagery.
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