Mysterious Russian satellite triggers fears of new wave of space weapons

Space agencies have reported spotting a mysterious Russian object, raising concerns about a new wave of space weapons.

According to The Independent, the satellite, dubbed Object 2014-28E, has grabbed the interest of official and amateur satellite-watchers because it is taking a confusing path and its purpose has not been identified.

Patricia Lewis, research director at think-tank Chatham House and an expert in space security reportedly said that the object looked experimental.

She said the object, which can be tracked online, could have a number of functions, some civilian and some military.

She said that one possibility was for some kind of grabber bar, adding that another would be a satellite-to-satellite cyber attack or jamming.

It was apparently launched along with other military communication satellites in May.

The object was initially thought to be debris, but after it performed complex manoeuvres the US re-classified it as a satellite, and Russia increased the reported amount of satellites that had been launched on the mission, the report said.