Soviet Space Surveillance System

Summary

In 1990, an article from KRASNAYA ZVEZDA detailed the Soviet space surveillance system, a complex program designed to track objects in orbit. This system, known as SKKP, not only monitored active and inactive satellites but also detected hazardous debris that could damage spacecraft. The text mentions over 20,000 objects orbiting Earth, including military and scientific satellites. The system allowed for astonishing precision, capable of distinguishing objects separated by mere centimeters in orbit.

The article also highlights specific cases, such as the downing of a South Korean Boeing-747 in 1983, where the surveillance system provided key evidence showing the intrusion was intentional. Officers of the system, trained in military schools and academies, worked under high pressure and responsibility. Additionally, the system played a crucial role in emergencies, such as tracking debris from fallen satellites or coordinating with manned missions. Despite its importance, the work of the SKKP remained in the shadows, with few public acknowledgments.