Lost Contact, NASA Efforts To Restore TRACERS Satellite Communication

JAKARTA One of two satellites for the TRACERS mission launched by NASA on July 23, 2025, is experiencing problems. Currently, NASA is working to restore the function of the satellite.

The satellite, known as Wahana Antariksa 1 (SV1), experienced technical problems on July 25. According to a report by the US space agency, the problems experienced by SV1 made NASA lose contact with the satellite.

In order for the mission to run perfectly, the TRACERS team is trying to restore the satellite communication. For now, the team is reviewing the data to find out the essence of the problem and decide on the next improvement steps.

"The team is reviewing data collected from spacecraft to diagnose and determine the next steps. After coming into contact with the spacecraft, the team will assess the status and impact on the mission's objectives," NASA said in a statement.

According to the latest monitoring results, NASA concluded that the loss of communication on SV1 occurred in the power sub-system. The reason is, satellites can only activate normally when the solar panels receive sunlight quite well.

Otherwise, the contact will be disconnected and unstable. NASA will seek to reconnect with SV1 as the satellite receives more sunlight. If it is connected, NASA will implement the next recovery measure.

Meanwhile, the Space Wahana 2 (SV2) or the second satellite in the TRACERS mission is in good condition. The satellite has started the commissioning process or satellite testing and its instruments are seen to be going according to plan.

NASA estimates that the SV2 commissioning will be completed by the end of August. In addition to the stages at SV2, NASA said that, "No significant updates are expected regarding SV1 over the next few weeks."

TRACERS is an important mission for NASA because the satellite will study magnetic reconnection and its impact on Earth's atmosphere is similar in orbit. This process occurs when the activity of the Sun interacts with the Earth's magnetic field.

By understanding the process, scientists will better understand various solar activities. In addition, they can also prepare various things to deal with the impact of solar activity in the future.