I mentioned here recently the launch of the Japanese university UNITEC-1 spacecraft, which was launched towards Venus along with the primary payload JAXA Akatsuki. UNITEC-1 was the first student built spacecraft to fly from earth towards interplanetary space. Initially it appeared to be working but now comes word that unfortunately the spacecraft has gone silent and is feared lost: First student-built interplanetary mission goes silent - New Scientist - May.29.10.

Space is a very hostile environment. Congrats for sending it out and it lasting as long as it did ...