Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE)
Vega-C
Avio S.p.A
Rocket Launch Video
Rocket Launch Timeline
Enhance your rocket launch experience with a detailed timeline! From pre-launch preparations to post-launch milestones, a well-structured schedule ensures every step—payload prep, safety checks, and liftoff—runs smoothly. Stay informed and follow the action with precision.
| T+ 00 : 00 : 00 | Liftoff First upwards movement of the rocket |
| T+ 00 : 02 : 24 | Stage 2 Separation Separation of the second stage from the first |
| T+ 00 : 04 : 31 | Stage 3 Separation Separation of the third stage from the second |
| T+ 00 : 04 : 42 | Fairing Separation Separation of the payload fairing |
| T+ 00 : 07 : 13 | Kick Stage Separation Separation of the kick stage from the previous stage |
| T+ 00 : 20 : 23 | Kick Stage Burn The kick stage conducts an engine burn in orbit. |
| T+ 00 : 52 : 57 | Kick Stage Burn The kick stage conducts an engine burn in orbit. |
| T+ 00 : 56 : 24 | Payload Separation Final deployment of the payload from the rocket |
| T+ 02 : 00 : 37 | Kick Stage Burn The kick stage conducts an engine burn in orbit. |
Mission
Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE)
- 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.
Location
Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV)
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV) has witnessed the launch of 54 rockets, including 54 orbital launch attempts. While Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, has been the site for 332 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.
Rocket
Avio S.p.A Vega-C
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.
Agency
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 is 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 is currently scheduled for:
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Launch times are subject to change based on weather conditions, technical readiness, and range availability. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date launch time and status updates.
Where can I watch the Avio S.p.A Vega-C Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) launch live stream?
You can watch the Avio S.p.A Vega-C launch live stream on this page. The official live video feed typically begins 15-30 minutes before liftoff and includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where is the Avio S.p.A Vega-C Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission launching from?
The Avio S.p.A Vega-C rocket will launch 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. For viewing location recommendations and tips, check the launch location details above.
What rocket is being used for the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission?
The Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission will launch 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 delay 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 can be 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. Check the launch weather forecast above for current conditions and probability of favorable weather.
How can I get updates if the Avio S.p.A Vega-C Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) launch is delayed?
This page is 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 the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official Avio S.p.A live streams for the most immediate range updates.