The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
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Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
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Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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A contract signed on 30 April 2024 between ESA and Arianespace ensures a ride into orbit for the Smile mission on a Vega-C rocket.
Smile is a collaboration between ESA and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Standing for ‘Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer’, its goal is to provide a more complete understanding of the interaction between the Sun and Earth. The launch is a major European contribution to the mission.
A Vega-C will launch Smile from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, with the launch date currently expected for late 2025. Vega-C is Europe’s nimble rocket designed to launch a wide range of missions. It can send up cargo of a mix of shapes and sizes, enhancing Europe’s independent access to space.
The contract was signed by Carole Mundell (ESA Director of Science), Toni Tolker-Nielsen (ESA acting Director of Space Transportation) and Stéphane Israël (Arianespace Chief Executive Officer). In this photo (from left to right): Toni Tolker-Nielsen, Stéphane Israël and Carole Mundell.