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

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Smile arrives at Europe's Spaceport
Science & Exploration

Smile arrives at Europe’s Spaceport

09/03/2026 2075 views 28 likes
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Smile launch kit cover
Science & Exploration

Smile launch kit

25/02/2026 1186 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 2624 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 4846 views 43 likes
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Smile sees the light
Science & Exploration

Smile passes gruelling set of tests

15/07/2025 3419 views 40 likes
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More items

  • Science & Exploration

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

    13/11/2024 3958 views 81 likes
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  • Science & Exploration

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

    06/03/2025 1400 views 26 likes
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  • Science & Exploration

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

    15/07/2025 2633 views 36 likes
    Open item
  • Science & Exploration

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

    21/11/2025 1448 views 20 likes
    Open item

Smile overview