Failed Russian Mars probe Phobos-Grunt caught on camera

The failed Russian Mars probe Phobos-Grunt has been pictured moving across the sky by the Paris-based amateur astronomer Thierry Legault.

The spacecraft is seen moving left to right in the video. The bulbous shape of its fuel tanks and its outstretched solar panels are easily discernable.

Mr Legault uses a specially designed camera system and captured similar imagery of Nasa's defunct UARS satellite last year.

Phobos-Grunt is falling to Earth. It is expected to re-enter the atmosphere in the next eight or nine days and burn up.

Video courtesy of Thierry Legault, external. It was acquired on 1 January. The probe is seen at a distance of 237km.