Japan loses track of pricey black hole satellite

epa05233168 An undated artist's rendering made available by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on 28 March 2016 shows the Japanese Astro-H satellite that was launched on 17 February 2016 to observe black holes and galaxy clusters. JAXA confirmed on 28 March 2016 that it has lost contact with the satellite, communication failed from the start of its operations which were scheduled on 26 March 2016. EPA/JAXA / HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

TOKYO: Dozens of space scientists are desperately scouring the skies after losing track of a quarter-of-a-billion-dollar Japanese satellite that was sent to study black holes.

The ultra-high-tech “Hitomi” -- or eye -- satellite was supposed to be busy communicating from orbit by now, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said, but no one can say exactly where it is.