Smile will produce the first X-ray observations of Earth’s magnetic shield.
SMILE is the first mission that allows scientists to actively image Earth’s magnetosphere using X-ray light.
The first X-ray and ultraviolet images from Smile are expected in August.
SMILE will use Solar Wind Charge Exchange emissions to map the magnetopause.
SMILE’s Soft X-ray Imager was developed and procured by ESA.
China built SMILE's spacecraft platform to maneuver the spacecraft in orbit and host the two Light Ion Analysers.
Smile is expected to reach its science orbit for magnetosphere studies in about one month.
SMILE will move to a science orbit with altitudes of 121,000-by-5,000 kilometers over the next month.
Smile will use ultraviolet imaging to observe auroras for up to 45 hours at a time.
ESA is contributing €130 million to Smile through more than 25 procurement contracts involving over 40 companies and institutes.
Smile builds on technologies used in ESA missions Cluster and XMM-Newton.
Smile is expected to begin data collection in July after deployment of booms, opening of camera covers, and instrument checks.
SMILE is designed to capture continuous global X-ray and ultraviolet views of the boundary where the solar wind collides with Earth’s magnetic shield.
SMILE's Magnetometer is aimed at understanding solar wind particle properties en route to Earth.
Smile is the first mission that ESA and China have jointly selected, designed, implemented, launched, and operated together.
SMILE has a mass of 2,300 kilograms.
SMILE launched from French Guiana on a Vega-C rocket on May 19 at 11:52 am China Standard Time, or 03:52 am UTC.
Smile separated from Vega-C at 06:48 CEST and deployed its solar panels at 06:49 CEST.
Smile carries four instruments: SXI, UVI, LIA, and MAG.
SMILE will remain in Earth orbit for at least three years.