Category
War in Ukraine

Ukraine Hits Secret Russian GRU Space Intelligence Hub Meshcherino-1, Satellite Images Show

2 min read
Google logo Prefer U24 Media on Google
Authors
Photo of Ivan Khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
News Writer
File photo of Russia's 476th Central Information Reception and Processing Center, a secret GRU facility linked to military satellite intelligence. (Source: Defense Express)
File photo of Russia’s 476th Central Information Reception and Processing Center, a secret GRU facility linked to military satellite intelligence. (Source: Defense Express)

Ukrainian drones damaged buildings at a secret Russian military intelligence facility near Moscow that plays a role in processing satellite reconnaissance data.

We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.

DONATE NOW

According to satellite imagery published by Defense Express on June 29, Ukrainian drones struck Russia’s 476th Central Information Reception and Processing Center of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), also known as the Meshcherino-1 military complex, during the night of June 26. The imagery, provided by Exilenova+, shows damage at the site.

Satellite image shows damage to buildings at Russia's secret Meshcherino-1 GRU space intelligence complex following a Ukrainian drone strike. (Source: Exilenova+)
Satellite image shows damage to buildings at Russia’s secret Meshcherino-1 GRU space intelligence complex following a Ukrainian drone strike. (Source: Exilenova+)

According to Defense Express, the facility is located about 65 kilometers south of Moscow and is considered one of the Russian military’s key centers for receiving and processing information collected by reconnaissance satellites.

The complex includes two military units—Unit 03770 and Unit 30258. Satellite imagery published by Exilenova+ reportedly shows damage to a three-story building within Unit 30258 and to a hangar located in Unit 03770. Ukrainian authorities have not officially announced the strike.

Museum display at Russia's secret Meshcherino-1 GRU facility featuring exhibits related to Soviet and Russian military reconnaissance satellite programs. (Source: Defense Express)
Museum display at Russia’s secret Meshcherino-1 GRU facility featuring exhibits related to Soviet and Russian military reconnaissance satellite programs. (Source: Defense Express)

Defense Express reported that although the exact functions of the two military units remain classified, the site has expanded its satellite communications infrastructure over the past decade. Satellite antenna systems were added between 2013 and 2016 and later enlarged, reflecting the growth of Russia’s military space reconnaissance capabilities.

According to the publication, the center has been associated with operating several generations of Russian reconnaissance satellites, including the Persona and Bars-M optical imaging satellites, the Lotos-S electronic intelligence satellite, and the Pion-NKS radar reconnaissance satellite.

Defense Express also noted that archival footage from the facility’s 50th anniversary indicates it previously supported Soviet-era reconnaissance programs, including the Araks optical reconnaissance satellite and the Mech-KU synthetic aperture radar system used aboard Almaz orbital stations.

The 476th Center has operated since 1968, but information about its activities remains largely classified.

The reported strike follows other recent Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s military space infrastructure. Ukrainian forces previously struck the Dubna Space Communications Center on June 22 and the Vladimir Space Communications Center during the night of June 24.

Discuss this article:

PERPLEXITY CHATGPT CLAUDE GEMINI
See all

The war hasn't stopped

Neither has our reporting. Three years from the frontlines—your contributions keep our journalists on the stories that matter.

SUPPORT MONTHLYONE-TIME DONATION