ESA title

The mission

Smile will use four science instruments to study how Earth responds to the solar wind from the Sun. This will improve our understanding of solar storms, geomagnetic storms and the science of space weather.

The launch

  • Launch window: 8 April – 7 May 2026
  • Launch location: Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana
  • Launch vehicle: Vega-C
  • Destination: highly elliptical orbit around Earth
Smile

Latest

Smile delivered to space (artist impression)
Science & Exploration

Smile prepares for launch on Vega-C – follow along

368 views 8 likes
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Smile delivered to space (artist impression, GIF)
Science & Exploration

T-20 days: Smile to launch on 9 April

20/03/2026 964 views 28 likes
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Smile arrives at Europe's Spaceport
Science & Exploration

Smile arrives at Europe’s Spaceport

09/03/2026 2283 views 28 likes
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Smile launch kit cover
Science & Exploration

Smile launch kit

25/02/2026 1348 views 6 likes
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Smile leaving Saint-Nazaire in France
Science & Exploration

Smile sets sail for Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana

20/02/2026 2658 views 36 likes
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ESA and CAS teams working on the Smile mission
Science & Exploration

Smile approved for launch in spring 2026

20/11/2025 4907 views 43 likes
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More items

  • Science & Exploration

    Introducing the Smile mission – Let’s Smile (episode 1)

    13/11/2024 3974 views 81 likes
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  • Science & Exploration

    Completing the spacecraft – Let’s Smile (episode 2)

    06/03/2025 1406 views 26 likes
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  • Science & Exploration

    Testing, testing, testing – Let’s Smile (episode 3)

    15/07/2025 2645 views 36 likes
    Open item
  • Science & Exploration

    Good to go – Let's Smile (episode 4)

    21/11/2025 1478 views 20 likes
    Open item

Smile overview