SSETI falls silent for Radio Hams

After being launched into orbit last Thursday, a tiny European spacecraft built by students fell silent Friday morning and officials aren't sure if the mission can be recovered.

"Thorough analysis over the weekend indicates that a failure in the electrical power system onboard the spacecraft is preventing the batteries from charging, resulting in a shutdown of the satellite," the European Space Agency said in a press statement this morning. "There is a small but significant possibility of recovery, the likelihood of which is being ascertained by ongoing testing."

The Student Space Exploration and Technology Initiative (SSETI), began developing the SSETI Express microsatellite two years ago to serve as a motivational aid and learning tool before more complex missions are undertaken.

SSETI Satellite Falls Silent