ESA Investigates Proba-3 Coronagraph Spacecraft Anomaly
The European Space Agency is working to restore contact with the Proba-3 Coronagraph spacecraft after an onboard anomaly led to a loss of communication.
In mid-February 2026, the European Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-3 mission encountered a significant challenge when an anomaly aboard the Coronagraph spacecraft resulted in a loss of contact with ground control. The issue disrupted the spacecraft's orientation, preventing it from entering safe mode. Consequently, its solar panels failed to face the Sun, leading to rapid battery depletion and activation of survival mode, which halted data transmission.
ESA teams are actively investigating the root cause of the anomaly and are striving to re-establish communication with the Coronagraph spacecraft. A key focus is determining how the mission's Occulter spacecraft, which remains operational, can safely approach the Coronagraph to assess its orientation and aid in recovery efforts.
Launched in December 2024, Proba-3 is ESA's pioneering mission designed to create artificial solar eclipses in space. The mission comprises two satellites—the Coronagraph and the Occulter—that fly in precise formation to study the Sun's corona. Prior to the anomaly, the mission had achieved significant milestones, including the first precise formation flight and over 60 accurate formation flying orbits, providing extensive data on the Sun's dynamic inner corona.
ESA has committed to providing updates as new information becomes available.