Avio S.p.A Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) Vega-C
Rocket Launch Video Streams
Weather Forecast During Launch
The forecast calls for a temperature of 76°F, overcast clouds, 100% cloud cover and a wind speed of 4mph.
Rocket Launch Timeline
Track every phase of the rocket launch with our detailed mission timeline. From T-minus countdown events and pre-launch preparations through liftoff, stage separation, and orbital insertion, follow each critical milestone in real-time. Our comprehensive launch sequence timeline includes payload integration, propellant loading, engine ignition, and post-launch telemetry tracking.
| View Complete Launch Timeline | |
|---|---|
| T+ 00 : 00 : 00 | Liftoff First upwards movement of the rocket |
| T+ 00 : 02 : 25 | Stage 2 Separation Separation of the second stage from the first |
| T+ 00 : 02 : 26 | SES Start of the second engine |
| T+ 00 : 04 : 30 | Stage 3 Separation Separation of the third stage from the second |
| T+ 00 : 04 : 37 | Stage 3 Ignition Third stage engine ignites. |
| T+ 00 : 04 : 42 | Fairing Separation Separation of the payload fairing |
| T+ 00 : 07 : 14 | Kick Stage Separation Separation of the kick stage from the previous stage |
| T+ 00 : 20 : 23 | Kick Stage Ignition Start of the kick stage engine |
| T+ 00 : 24 : 32 | Kick Stage Cut-off Cut-off of the kick stage engine |
| T+ 00 : 52 : 57 | Kick Stage Burn The kick stage conducts an engine burn in orbit. |
| T+ 00 : 54 : 52 | Kick Stage Cut-off Cut-off of the kick stage engine |
| T+ 00 : 56 : 24 | Payload Separation Final deployment of the payload from the rocket |
| T+ 02 : 00 : 37 | Kick Stage Ignition Start of the kick stage engine |
| T+ 02 : 01 : 44 | Kick Stage Cut-off Cut-off of the kick stage engine |
About the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) Mission
- Type: Astrophysics
- Orbit: Elliptical Orbit
- Launch Cost: $48,000,000
Joint mission between the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences to investigate the interaction between Earth’s protective shield – the magnetosphere – and the supersonic solar wind.
Launch Pad & Location
Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV)
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
The Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV) launch pad has hosted 55 rocket launches, including 55 orbital launch attempts. The Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana launch site has been the location for 334 total rocket launches.
The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
Avio S.p.A Vega-C Rocket
Vega-C is a single-body rocket nearly 35 m high with that weighs 210 tonnes on the launch pad. As with Vega, its main elements are three solid-propellant stages, an upper stage powered by a reignitable liquid-propellant engine and a payload fairing. Vega-C's P120C first stage replaces Vega’s smaller P80 to provide a significant increase in thrust at liftoff. It is also used as boosters (2 or 4) for the Ariane 6 rocket.
About Avio S.p.A
Avio S.p.A. is an Italian company operating in the aerospace sector with its head office in Colleferro near Rome, Italy. Founded in 1908, it is present in Italy and abroad with different commercial offices and 10 production sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Avio S.p.A Vega-C Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) launch scheduled?
The Avio S.p.A Vega-C Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) launch was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the Avio S.p.A Vega-C Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) launch video?
You can watch the Avio S.p.A Vega-C launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where did the Avio S.p.A Vega-C Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission launch from?
The Avio S.p.A Vega-C rocket launched from Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV) at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana. The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
What rocket was used for the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission?
The Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission launched aboard a Avio S.p.A Vega-C rocket. Vega-C is a single-body rocket nearly 35 m high with that weighs 210 tonnes on the launch pad. As with Vega, its main elements are three solid-propellant stages, an upper stage powered by a reignitable liquid-propellant engine and a payload fairing. Vega-C's P120C first stage replaces Vega’s smaller P80 to provide a significant increase in thrust at liftoff. It is also used as boosters (2 or 4) for the Ariane 6 rocket. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Avio S.p.A Vega-C Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) launch?
The Avio S.p.A Vega-C Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the Avio S.p.A Vega-C Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Avio S.p.A Vega-C launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Avio S.p.A live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.