Thread by @katlinegrey

Let’s talk about Rogozin’s words about #eROSITA telescope which is a part of #SpektrRG space observatory and was put into safe mode on February 26. They were understood by the space community as an intention to reactivate it without the permission of a German side. (A thread) ⤵️

As usual, Rogozin haven’t said that directly. Here is the quote: “Despite Germany's demand to turn off one of the two telescopes on the Spektr-RG, Russian specialists insist on continuing its work. In the near future, Roscosmos will make appropriate decisions.” ⤵️

Literally, it can be any decision: either to turn it on forcibly, or to start negotiations with the German side. Or even do nothing, which is in my opinion the most possible scenario. ⤵️

If I understand right, the commands for eRosita were written by the specialists from the Max Planck Institute, and sent to Spektr-RG from the Russian Control Center. ⤵️

I asked one of my friends if it is technically possible to form the commands here in Russia, but it can take time to receive an answer from him. @cosmos4u, @Stirn do you probably know if it’s technically possible?

Academician Rashid Syunyaev, the academic advisor of #SpektrRG, told to Interfax that the Russian scientists hope for #eROSITA to get back to work, but they don’t recommend to turn it on without the consent of a German side - for many reasons. interfax.ru/russia/844440 ⤵️

First of all, there is a risk of a failure in case of an unauthorized activation of the telescope. And at least but not the last, it will lead to even more distrust, and he hopes that in 10-30 years Russia will be able to participate in joint work with other countries in space.