Yohkoh

Yohkoh is a solar exploration satellite launched from Japan in 1991. It carries instruments in the ultraviolet and X-ray spectra.

In December 2001 a breakdown caused the loss of the satellite's orientation during the solar eclipse of 14 December (the Sun was used as reference for the orientation); the batteries went flat (because of the incorrect orientation of the solar panels) and the operator lost control of the satellite.