The debate over the Krasnoyarsk radar in the Soviet Union went on for years before anyone was able to publish photographs of the installation.

In doing so, it reduces the chances of achieving a new strategic arms accord and of getting the Krasnoyarsk radar dismantled.

The other day, the Soviet leader tried to make lemonade out of his lemon: he proposed turning the Krasnoyarsk radar into an "international space center."

Mr. Gaffney also ignores the recent Soviet decision to dismantle the Krasnoyarsk radar.

The Krasnoyarsk radar is located deep within Soviet territory, about 2,100 miles east of Moscow.

So, for many years, was the Krasnoyarsk missile-detecting radar, a large and illegal edifice being constructed nakedly on a site prohibited by treaty.

This is the first time that the Reagan Administration has tied the course of the arms-control talks to the issue of the Krasnoyarsk radar.

Not much better is the plan of some senior officials in Washington to declare the Krasnoyarsk radar a "material breach" of the treaty.

Off the record, members of the Supreme Soviet admit the Krasnoyarsk radar was a blunder.

A. . . . The central question, the central point in his accusations is the Krasnoyarsk radar.