Japan: Trouble reaching innovative new space satellite

Published March 27, 2016

Japan's space agency says communication has failed with a newly launched, innovative satellite with X-ray telescopes meant to study black holes and other space mysteries.

The agency said in a statement Sunday that since the problem began Saturday afternoon, it hasn't known the condition of the satellite, called "Hitomi." It's trying to reconnect with the satellite, which was launched on Feb. 17.

The Japan Times newspaper says a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency official, Saku Tsuneta, said that he didn't know yet if communications could be re-established. The paper said astronomy observations can't start this summer as expected if the problem continues.

The Japanese space agency did not return a request for comment.

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