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The European Space Agency’s Proba-3 mission, designed to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere, has experienced a significant technical issue after communication was lost with one of its two spacecraft. The mission’s objective is to capture highly detailed images of the Sun’s corona by producing artificial solar eclipses in space. However, scientists are currently examining a technical anomaly that caused the Proba-3 Coronagraph spacecraft to lose its attitude control, disrupting contact with mission control.

Spacecraft Orientation Failure Triggers Communication Loss

The issue began in mid-February 2026 when an onboard anomaly caused the Coronagraph spacecraft to gradually lose attitude control. Attitude control is the system that allows a satellite to maintain the correct orientation in space. Because of this malfunction, the spacecraft’s solar panels were no longer properly aligned with the Sun, preventing them from generating sufficient power. As a result, the onboard battery quickly drained, forcing the satellite into survival mode, where only essential systems remain active and communication with Earth is suspended.

Innovative Two-Spacecraft Formation of the Mission

The Proba-3 mission uses a unique dual-spacecraft configuration that works together to create artificial solar eclipses in orbit. The mission includes two satellites: the Coronagraph and the Occulter. The Occulter spacecraft blocks the Sun’s bright disk, allowing the Coronagraph to capture clear images of the faint solar corona. To perform this task successfully, both spacecraft must maintain extremely precise formation, flying approximately 150 metres apart while orbiting Earth.

Recovery Attempts for the Coronagraph Spacecraft

Mission engineers are currently exploring potential methods to regain communication and restore control of the Coronagraph spacecraft. One possible approach involves manoeuvring the Occulter satellite closer to observe the orientation of the malfunctioning spacecraft. This could provide valuable information about its position and help engineers develop strategies for recovery. Since its launch in December 2024, the Proba-3 mission has already completed more than 60 successful formation-flying orbits, showcasing advanced satellite coordination capabilities.

Why Studying the Solar Corona Matters

The solar corona remains one of the most mysterious regions of the Sun. It plays a key role in space weather events such as solar winds and coronal mass ejections. These phenomena can disrupt satellites, communication networks, and power grids on Earth. By studying the corona more closely, scientists aim to gain deeper insights into solar activity and improve forecasting of space weather events that may affect modern technological systems.

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