ESA Investigates Loss of Contact with Proba-3 Coronagraph Spacecraft

The European Space Agency (ESA) is working to reestablish communication with the Proba-3 Coronagraph spacecraft after an anomaly in mid-February 2026 led to a loss of contact. The Proba-3 mission, launched in December 2024, comprises two spacecraft—the Coronagraph and the Occulter—designed to fly in precise formation to create artificial solar eclipses, enabling detailed study of the Sun's corona.

On the weekend of February 14–15, 2026, the Coronagraph spacecraft experienced an anomaly that disrupted its orientation, preventing it from entering safe mode. This misalignment caused its solar panels to face away from the Sun, leading to rapid battery depletion and triggering a survival mode, during which data transmission ceased. ESA is investigating the root cause of the anomaly and is exploring the possibility of using the Occulter spacecraft, which remains operational, to approach and assess the Coronagraph's status to aid in recovery efforts. The agency has committed to providing updates as new information becomes available.