More space junk?
"Errors caused Hitomi to spin wildly and its solar-panelled paddles snapped off, making restoration impossible."
Am I the only one picturing multiple huge solar panels floating through space now waiting to hit something important?
I think the NHTSA needs to get involved and mandate safety chains be used on future satellites to prevent such an occurrence from happening again ;)
On a slightly different note, it's interesting to see the cultural difference with individual executives taking responsibility for the problems. (This probably wouldn't happen in any other culture). They have my respect.
(An icon is needed for "sad and disappointed", none of the current ones seem appropriate)