Questions arise over whether the mystery Russian object is a space weapon. The mystery object’s orbital maneuvers have raised suspicions that the satellite could in fact be a type of space weapon.

Russia launched the aircraft, “Object 2014-28E” in May, along with three military communications satellites. The object was not included in Russia’s launch declaration. Satellite trackers have observed the object, initially thought to be space junk, performing various intriguing maneuvers in the past few weeks according to a recent report by the Financial Times.

The object’s moves, including a recent meeting with remains of a rocket stage that assisted the object in reaching orbit, have led space analysts to question whether the object is part of an anti-satellite program.

One theory is that the space object is part of a revived version of Russia’s Cold War-era “satellite killer” project, which Russian officials stated was retired following the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

Joan Johnson-Freese, a professor of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, said that while concerns over the object are legitimate, it is too early to jump to conclusions, noting that Russian could have a number of reasons regarding the technology the object is testing out.

Johnson-Freese said in a statement, “Any satellite with the capability to maneuver has the potential to be a weapon.” She continued, “But does that mean necessarily that all maneuverable satellites are weapons? No.”

According to the International Laser Ranging Service, most active satellites perform routine maneuvers. Maneuver information is to be maintained via the web by the appropriate mission.