Ukrainian defense forces carried out a drone attack targeting the Yevpatoria RT-70 radio telescope in Crimea. This intervention aimed to prevent Russia from using the telescope for military communication and reconnaissance activities. According to Space.com, this step is considered a measure against Russia, which has recently started to use the telescope for war purposes.
The RT-70 continues to hold a place in history as one of the most notable examples of Soviet heritage. The construction of the massive structure, with a diameter of approximately 70 meters, was planned in the 1970s for communication operations related to deep space missions. At the time, it was used to study Venus and Mars and was said to facilitate searches for extraterrestrial life. In this regard, RT-70 has been involved in SETI projects and has hosted many important experiments.
This telescope in Yevpatoria was not limited to scientific purposes alone; it also contributed to military television and space research. Between 1999 and 2003, it sent messages to stars twice within the scope of Cosmic Call projects. In 2001, a team of Russian youth conducted a radio broadcast called Teen Age Message aimed at six Sun-like stars. In 2008, a high-power signal named A Message from Earth was transmitted on the super-Earth Gliese 581c; this message included images, texts, and music chosen by the public.
In addition to exploration missions, RT-70 played critical roles in Soviet-era space programs, undertaking significant functions in Venera, Vega, and Phobos missions targeting Venus and Mars. It also supported ESA’s Mars Express and Rosetta missions. After the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, the telescope fell under Russian control and was redirected to work on the GLONASS satellite navigation system.
However, these developments heightened concerns about the threat to Ukraine’s independent scientific infrastructure. According to reports by Nature Astronomy, the conflicts that began in 2022 caused severe damage to many observatories and equipment. It is estimated that approximately 1.26 billion dollars will be needed to rebuild Ukraine’s public research infrastructure. UNESCO’s 2024 report also emphasizes the importance of the resources required to restore this infrastructure to its former state.
