Russia launched the Kosmos 2499 rocket mission back in May as part of what seemed like just another mission to further develop its constellations of 'Rodnik' communications satellites. Usually three satellites are released during these missions, but this one had a fourth object.The U.S. thought that this strange radar return was just debris, but not so much anymore. According to the BBC, Russia told the UN that the piece of debris in question was actually a fourth satellite, which in itself is nothing too odd, as the US launches classified payloads all the time. Additionally, Russia has been all about surprises lately, so it was seen as just another question thrown on top of a pile of questions. But then satellite observers saw the craft changing its orbit in ways that are far from normal for even spy satellites that usually do anything they can to conserve their finite fuel.
On November 9th, this small satellite's odd maneuvers came to a head when it actually approached a piece of the rocket that sent it into space nearly six months earlier, maneuvering within just meters of it.