About ESA
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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Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
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Science & Exploration
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
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Enabling & Support
Making space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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Smile spacecraft: two become one
On 21 January 2025, engineers at ESA’s technical heart (ESTEC) connected the two main parts of the Smile spacecraft, putting it into its final flight configuration.
In the centre of this image we see the spacecraft platform, which contains one of the four science instruments, as well as everything else that the spacecraft needs to function, for example the propulsion and service modules responsible for powering, steering and controlling the spacecraft. The platform is covered in a red silky cloth to protect it from falling screws and other objects that could be dropped when the payload module is lowered on top of the platform.
Coming in from above is the payload module, which hosts the other three science instruments. Two engineers on aerial platforms are beginning the enormous task of twisting in 120 screws to attach the two modules – each of which must be turned exactly the right amount.
Find out more about the testing and integration of Smile at ESTEC
Smile (the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) is a 50–50 collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
[Image description: Two engineers on an aerial platform closely inspect a spacecraft. A few other engineers watch from the ground. Many wires hang from the spacecraft. The scene takes place in a cleanroom.]
Smile spacecraft before two become one
Perfect placement for Smile’s payload module
Smile payload module turns aerial dancer
Engineer inspects Smile spacecraft segment
