Russia Operates Object 2014-28E Satellite Killer; Feared as Potent Weapon in Waging War Against U.S. – Reports

A mysterious satellite, known as Object 2014-28E, that Russia secretly sent into orbit last May 2014 is drawing concerns from scientists. It could prove as Moscow's deadliest weapon in case of shooting war with the United States, reports say.

Object 2014-28E, according to The Financial Times, is officially classified as a utility satellite that could serve numerous purposes. Russian space authorities are thought to mostly employ the object to repair or refuel satellites already in orbit.

In the absence of official statement from Kremlin, Object 2014-28E is dubbed as a multi-purpose space tool that Russia operates.

A satellite killer

However, Patricia Lewis, a space security expert from Chatham House, told The Financial Times that Russia is in possession of a very powerful space instrument that can function in many ways. Lewis noted too that Object 2014-28E is both a civilian and military gear.

"It could have a number of functions, some civilian and some military. One possibility is for some kind of grabber bar. Another would be kinetic pellets which shoot out at another satellite. Or possibly there could be a satellite-to-satellite cyber-attack or jamming," Lewis explained.

Cyber warfare is not a remote scenario should major powers like Russia and the United States engage in combat that make use of space and nuclear weapons.

Lewis is convinced that cyber-attack will be key component of upcoming conflicts. As The Financial Times indicated on its report: A satellite killer like the Object 2014-28E could prove as a potent military weapon - a clear advantage for the nation operating it.

Lewis though made clear that Object 2014-28E appears to be in the experimental stage.

And the same report stated that Russia had officially shelved its space weaponry program right after the Cold War ended decades ago. But it doesn't mean too that a satellite killer is not part of the nation's battle arsenal.

Russia's readiness

At any rate, the existence of Object 2014-28E somehow affirms the high-level of preparedness maintained by the Russians to slug it out with the enemy, the United States for instance, in the event of war.

In recent reports, Russia is thought to have gained tactical advantage over America but a Forbes news article cited the real lead enjoyed by Moscow - the country never wavered in anticipating that conflicts will explode anytime and is therefore all set to go to war.

Such is the Russian psyche while its rival - the United States - in on relax mode, hardly entertaining the thought of a nuclear war ever happening, and soon.

Such mentality alone, the same report suggested, would allow Russia to win its dreaded nuclear showdown with America.