Nicaragua insists Russian satellite station 'not for spying'

MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Nicaragua is denying that a recently activated land-based satellite station donated by Russia has the purpose of spying on the region or the United States.

Orlando Castillo is director of Nicaragua's state-run telecommunications company. He says the station known as Glonass aims to help tackle drug trafficking, natural disasters, global warming and other issues.

Castillo said late Wednesday that "it is not for spying on anyone."

The station came online April 7 and is located south of the Nicaraguan capital, Managua.

Ties between Russia and Nicaragua have concerned some in the United States, especially on military cooperation. Last year, Nicaragua received 50 T-72 tanks from Moscow as part of a process of modernizing its armed forces.

More In The Americas

New US Space Force jammers aim to disrupt China’s SATCOM signals

The Remote Modular Terminals, which disrupt adversary satellites by "yelling in their ear," as one official put it, are cleared for initial fielding,

Space Force must grow to counter China and Russia, lawmaker says

House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said the service is not sized to meet increasing threats from China and Russia.

SpaceX launches rapid response GPS mission

The effort, dubbed Rapid Response Trailblazer, was meant to demonstrate the ability to quickly plan and launch a mission in around six months.

Space Command strategy aims to boost commercial role in operations

The updated strategy, approved in November, focuses on SPACECOM’s core tasks and how commercial space capabilities fit within those areas.

ULA eyes annual mods to turn rocket stage into space interceptor

The fast-moving vehicle would be highly maneuverable and could be used to tow satellites or for counterspace missions, ULA CEO Tory Bruno told reporters.