Russia Has Lost Control of Its Spektr-R Radio Satellite After Cosmic Radiation Fried its Electronics

Russia has lost control of its only space radio telescope Spektr-R. The 33-foot satellite, which was launched in 2011, stopped responding to commands on January 10. Experts with Russia’s space agency Roscosmos say cosmic radiation accumulated in the satellite’s electronics has caused problems with the communications system. A source from the agency told TASS attempts to regain control of Spektr-R over the weekend had failed and they would be trying again Monday. More

(Source: NewsWeek - Jan 16)