In sci.space.history Robert Clark wrote:
Interesting suggestion in the comments section on that page:

Phobos-Grunt Mars probe remains silent in Earth orbit.
BY STEPHEN CLARK
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: November 11, 2011
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1111/11phobosgrunt/

The idea would be to use the X-37B currently in orbit to
communicate with the satellite. It certainly could at least
photograph it.

Assuming of course that it (or perhaps TDRS) could speak the same
frequencies and the guvmint was confident it would not leak
information about the capabilities of our assets.

If done uninvited the Russians and the Chinese would probably have a
hissy fit - "Imperialist lacky dogs in the United States Military
bowed to the pressure of their CIA masters to attempt to steal Russian
and Chinese state property!" etc etc.

rick jones
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