spacetoday.net: Control of Russian research satellite restored

Control of Russian research satellite restored

Posted: Sun, Jul 27, 2014, 3:07 PM ET (1907 GMT)
Ground controllers have regained control of a research satellite that stopped responding to commands shortly after launch, Russian officials said Saturday. The Foton-M 4 satellites stopped responding to commands a few orbits after its launch early July 19, although it continued to transmit telemetry in automated mode. The spacecraft is now responding to commands, although Russian officials didn't describe how they restored control of the uncrewed spacecraft. The spacecraft had yet to raise its orbit, as was planned shortly after launch. The spacecraft is carrying a set of biological and materials science experiments, including some plants and animals.