[4] A February 2022 post by the Russian Armed Forces announcing the launch of Kosmos 2553 includes the following statement from the Ministry of Defense about the satellite’s mission: "Technological spacecraft […] equipped with newly developed onboard instruments and systems for testing them under the influence of radiation and heavy charged particles.

Built by NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the satellite is designed to improve situational awareness, early warning, and target tracking in challenging conditions.

The Neitron system is expected to mark a significant advancement in Russia’s space-based radar technology, which has traditionally lagged behind that of other major powers.

[8] This concern was further underscored by Rep. Mike Turner, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, who issued statements in February 2024 about a serious national security threat related to Russia's nuclear space ambitions.

[9][10][11] On 15 February 2024, the White House confirmed that U.S. intelligence had evidence that Russia is developing an ASAT weapon that “would be a violation of the Outer Space Treaty, to which more than 130 countries have signed up to, including Russia.”[12] Reports indicate that if developed and deployed, the nuclear anti-satellite weapon associated with Kosmos 2553 could have the capability to destroy hundreds of satellites in low Earth orbit with a nuclear explosion.