Europe has just realized an alarming scenario: that Russia has known all its moves from space for years

Europe's digital sovereignty is facing an unexpected challenge from orbit, as recent revelations highlight Russia's sophisticated intelligence-gathering capabilities through its satellite operations. This development underscores a critical shift in how space is perceived, moving from a domain of scientific cooperation to one of strategic confrontation, with significant implications for European digital security. The core of the issue lies in the vulnerability of older European satellites, many of which were launched during an era prioritizing functionality and cost over advanced encryption and cybersecurity. Russian spacecraft, such as Luch-1 and Luch-2, have been observed performing unusual maneuvers, lingering in close proximity to European satellites. This behavior suggests a potential for electronic espionage or interference, exploiting decades-old security gaps. This revelation directly impacts European digital infrastructure and its reliance on space-based services for communication, navigation, and meteorology. The ability of an external power to potentially monitor or disrupt these services raises serious concerns about data protection and the integrity of critical European systems. This situation necessitates a reevaluation of current satellite security protocols and an accelerated push for more robust, modern defensive technologies in space.