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ScienceMar 7, 2026

Will Proba-3 phone home? European solar-eclipse satellite goes dark

Will Proba-3 phone home? European solar-eclipse satellite goes dark
Image source: Space.com
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Europe has lost contact with one of its two Proba-3 spacecraft, after an anomaly caused the vehicle to lose orientation.

The Proba-3 spacecraft entered their precise station-keeping formation in May 2025, demonstrating for the first time ever the ability for two spacecraft to remain in such synchronicity. Then, in June 2025, the mission captured its first photos of an artificial solar eclipse.

As they search for a cause, mission operators are investigating how they might safely steer the Occulter probe closer to the Coronagraph to assist in diagnosing the issue and reestablishing contact. ESA officials said they will provide updates "as new information becomes available.

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