Space & Astronomy

Ukraine destroys Crimean radio telescope once used to contact aliens

By T.K. Randall
September 22, 2025 ·  3 comments

Image: 70-m Aerial P-2500 (RT-70 Radio Telescope) (file photo)
Credit: S. Korotkiy / CC BY-SA 3.0 (adapted) Situated in Crimea, Yevpatoria RT-70 - a large radio telescope at the Center for Deep Space Communications - was capable of picking up and sending deep space signals thanks to its enormous 70-meter-wide dish.

One of only two radio telescopes in the world capable of sending messages into deep space, it played a major role in multiple efforts to contact advanced extraterrestrial civilizations.

It was also used during the Cold War to communicate with space probes sent to Venus and Mars.

Sadly, however, after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, its purpose was changed from one of peace to one of war, with the facility being altered to support Russia's GLONASS satellite navigation system.After Russia invaded Ukraine, the telescope was used to support military communications, making it a liability for Ukraine and a prime candidate for a targeted attack.

To this end, it was reported earlier this month that it had been blown to pieces by Ukrainian drones.

Its loss marks a sad end to its legacy of peaceful study and exploration of the cosmos and once again brings into sharp focus the toll of Russia's ongoing and senseless war.

Once thing's for sure, Yevpatoria RT-70 wasn't the first casualty and it certainly won't be the last.

Source: Gizmodo | Comments (3)

Tags: Alien