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 date: 19 May 2026, 05:52 CEST
  • 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

1882 views 33 likes
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Smile delivered to space (artist impression, GIF)
Science & Exploration

Smile set to launch on 19 May

23/04/2026 3732 views 41 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 3307 views 39 likes
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Smile arrives at Europe's Spaceport
Science & Exploration

Smile arrives at Europe’s Spaceport

09/03/2026 2821 views 29 likes
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Smile launch kit cover
Science & Exploration

Smile launch kit

25/02/2026 2313 views 10 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 3082 views 37 likes
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More items

  • Science & Exploration

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

    13/11/2024 4191 views 81 likes
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  • Science & Exploration

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

    06/03/2025 1534 views 26 likes
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  • Science & Exploration

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

    15/07/2025 2911 views 36 likes
    Open item
  • Science & Exploration

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

    21/11/2025 1791 views 20 likes
    Open item

Smile overview