ESA Investigates Loss of Contact with Proba-3 Coronagraph Spacecraft
The European Space Agency is working to re-establish communication with the Proba-3 Coronagraph spacecraft after an anomaly caused a loss of contact in mid-February 2026.
In mid-February 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) lost contact with the Coronagraph spacecraft of its Proba-3 mission following an onboard anomaly. This incident led to a loss of attitude control, causing the spacecraft's solar panels to misalign with the Sun, resulting in rapid battery depletion and the activation of survival mode, which minimizes electronic activity and halts data transmission.
The Proba-3 mission, launched in December 2024, comprises two satellites—the Coronagraph and the Occulter—designed to fly in precise formation to create artificial solar eclipses, enabling detailed study of the Sun's corona.
ESA is currently investigating the root cause of the anomaly and exploring the possibility of utilizing the operational Occulter spacecraft to approach and assess the Coronagraph's orientation to aid in recovery efforts.
The Proba-3 mission represents a significant advancement in formation flying technology and solar observation, aiming to provide unprecedented insights into the Sun's outer atmosphere.