Russian spacecraft shadowing U.S. spy satellite: U.S. Space Force commander

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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.[b]

Citing outside experts, Time reports that the U.S. KH-11 satellite is about the size of a bus. 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.

RUNDOWN SHOWS:
1. Two Russian spacecraft tail a U.S. KH-11 reconnaissance satellite
2. KH-11's speculated capabilities
3. Russian satellites were launched in one payload before separating
4. The Russian craft orbit allows observation on either side of KH-11

VOICEOVER (in English):
"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.[c]"

"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."

SOURCES: Time, Michael Thompson (Twitter)

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