Exclusive: New image shows Russian approach of U.S. satellite

A new, exclusive image shared with Axios shows a Russian satellite bearing down on a U.S.-owned spacecraft during a tense orbital incident last week.Why it matters: The photo, snapped by spatial intelligence company Vantor, shows how commercial satellites are already becoming possible targets for stalking, jamming and, potentially, space weapons in geopolitical conflicts."This image captures a reality long recognized by our national security leaders — space is becoming increasingly contested," Vantor CEO Dan Smoot told Axios in an exclusive statement. "Seeing one spacecraft repeatedly maneuver close to another raises serious concerns about capability and intent," he said.The big picture: Private sector firms like Vantor are filling the information gap as the U.S. military's classified space capabilities make it difficult for the government to share intelligence with the public. The Defense Department declined to provide Axios details on Russia's space maneuvers. A State Department official made a brief statement on the matter Wednesday.How it happened: As the Russian satellite maneuvered into an alarming position, firms like Vantor, which captures space and Earth imaging, and LeoL…

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