Outer space

Vladimir Putin Plots a New Fleet of Spies in Space

The Russian military is apparently getting ready to launch a new generation of high-tech spy satellites.

It could help Moscow begin to match the as-yet-unrivaled resolution of America's own eyes in orbit. But the U.S. space force isn't standing still. While Russia races to catch up to the United States in one particular aspect of orbital reconnaissance—that is, imagery detail—the United States is plotting a sort of technological sidestep that could actually extend its lead over its rivals in space-based espionage.

Moscow reportedly plans to launch three of the new Hrazdan satellites—one each in 2019, 2022 and 2024. Essentially orbital telescopes that point down toward Earth, the Hrazdans will replace Russia's two existing Persona spy satellites.

Moscow has come to rely heavily on its military spacecraft to support long-distance deployments. Spy satellites, including the Personas, have played a central role in the Russian intervention in Syria, helping to spot targets for Russian bombers and cruise missiles.