25 Jul 2014 11:59

Russian source blames technical problem onboard Foton-M4 spacecraft for loss of contact with it

MOSCOW. July 25 (Interfax-AVN) - Specialists are analyzing several reasons behind the loss of contact with the Foton-M4 research spacecraft, which was launched on July 19, a Russian space and rocket sector source familiar with the situation told Interfax-AVN.

"Specialists believe that the problem is with the spacecraft itself, not with the earth-based control center. It may be a malfunction of the command link equipment," he said.

Foton-M4 is not responding to commands issued from the Earth, the source said.

"In such a situation, one cannot rule out, for example, mechanical damage of the receiving antenna," he added.