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Smile delivered to space (artist impression)
Science & Exploration

Smile prepares for launch on Vega-C – follow along

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ESA / Science & Exploration / Space Science / Smile

On 19 May 2026, the European-Chinese Smile mission launched into space on a European Vega-C rocket.

This page was updated with each step of the process, as the satellite and its ride to space were prepared for launch at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

Follow the links below for more information.

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Smile launch highlights

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Wide view of Vega-C liftoff with Smile
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Smile lifts off on quest to reveal Earth’s invisible shield…

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Vega-C for Smile revealed on the launch pad

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Vega-C for Smile revealed on the launch pad
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Science & Exploration

Preparing Smile for space

15/05/2026 2056 views 46 likes
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Smile lifts off into space (artist impression)
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How to follow the Smile launch live

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Vega-C complete with Smile inside

08/05/2026 431 views 3 likes
Vega-C complete with Smile inside
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Smile lifted into place

08/05/2026 164 views 1 likes
Smile lifted into place
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Science & Exploration

Smile arrives at the Vega-C launch pad

08/05/2026 204 views 0 likes
Smile arrives at the Vega-C launch pad
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Smile delivered to space (artist impression, GIF)
Science & Exploration

Smile set to launch on 19 May

23/04/2026 6349 views 49 likes
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Smile: A global answer to a global mystery

02/04/2026 2281 views 34 likes
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Last glimpse of Smile

30/03/2026 1348 views 18 likes
Last glimpse of Smile
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Science & Exploration

Smile meets Vega-C

30/03/2026 1049 views 7 likes
Smile meets Vega-C
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Science & Exploration

What is Smile about to discover?

30/03/2026 2176 views 39 likes
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Video 01:00:11
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Science & Exploration

Smile pre-launch media briefing

26/03/2026 2064 views 21 likes
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Science & Exploration

Smile fuelled for launch

24/03/2026 2479 views 64 likes
Smile fuelled for launch
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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 3936 views 40 likes
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Press Release N° 14–2026
Science & Exploration

Media invitation: Smile pre-launch online media briefings

Media are invited to join online briefings in several languages ahead of the launch of the Smile mission on a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
18/03/2026 817 views
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Story
Smile arrives at Europe's Spaceport
Science & Exploration

Smile arrives at Europe’s Spaceport

09/03/2026 3315 views 30 likes
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Press Release N° 10–2026
Science & Exploration

Call for interest: media programme for launch of Smile mission at Europe’s Spaceport

Media representatives are invited to express their interest in attending the media programme for the launch of the Smile mission at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
26/02/2026 765 views
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Focus on
Smile lifts off into space (artist impression, GIF)
Science & Exploration

Launch campaign photos

A visual record of every step, straight from Europe's Spaceport

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Drone view of MN Colibri boat carrying Smile arriving in French Guiana
Science & Exploration

Launch campaign videos

Available via our 'videos for professionals' library

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Smile launch timeline
Science & Exploration

Smile launch kit

Interactive infographics and background information to prepare for Smile's launch

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The Smile mission
Science & Exploration

Discover Smile

All mission news, background information, images and videos

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Enabling & Support

Discover Vega-C

A summary of the rocket

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