A Russian military satellite has assumed permanent escort duty alongside a Western spacecraft at an altitude of 500 kilometers, matching its every orbit and formally offering to carry its cargo, Russia's Ministry of Defense announced Tuesday.
The escort, which the ministry describes as a «goodwill formation flight», began when the Russian apparatus closed to within a few dozen meters and has since expanded into a full ceremonial procession. Ground crews in Moscow now conduct twice-daily drills in which they rehearse handing imaginary parcels from one orbit to the other, and a new department of orbital hospitality has been established to coordinate the satellite's schedule.
«We are simply being neighborly», said a ministry spokesman, adding that the escort will soon be joined by a second Russian satellite carrying a welcome banner and a thermos. «If our Western colleague needs anything at all, we are right here. We will always be right here.»
The Western spacecraft has not requested assistance. Its operators have adjusted their orbit several times; the Russian satellite has adjusted alongside it each time, and the ministry has begun publishing a weekly bulletin listing the maneuvers as «joint family outings».
By next month, according to the ministry, the escort will include a rotating honor guard of three satellites and a small ceremonial band broadcast from the ground. The Western spacecraft's operators have declined to comment, which the ministry has interpreted as gratitude.