ESA and China Launch Joint Mission to Map Earth's Magnetic Field
Joint ESA–China mission begins mapping Earth’s protective magnetic field

Image: Euronews
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have successfully launched the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission from French Guiana. This mission aims to study Earth's magnetosphere, which shields the planet from solar wind, enhancing our understanding of space weather and protecting technology and astronauts.
- 01The SMILE spacecraft is 3 meters tall and equipped with advanced trackers and antennas.
- 02The mission will operate at altitudes up to 121,000 kilometers above the North Pole, significantly contributing to solar system studies.
- 03SMILE will provide up to 45 hours of continuous observations of soft X-ray and ultraviolet light during each orbit.
- 04The mission's first signal was received just two hours post-launch, confirming successful deployment of solar panels for power.
- 05ESA emphasizes the critical role of the magnetosphere in sustaining life on Earth.
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The Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission, a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has been successfully launched from French Guiana. This 3-meter-tall spacecraft is designed to study Earth's magnetosphere, which plays a crucial role in protecting the planet from solar wind—streams of charged particles emitted by the Sun. The mission aims to bridge gaps in our understanding of the solar system and ensure the safety of technology and astronauts in space. According to ESA, without the magnetosphere, life on Earth would be impossible. The SMILE spacecraft will reach altitudes of up to 121,000 kilometers above the North Pole, gathering valuable data on how solar winds interact with Earth's atmosphere. It will provide up to 45 hours of continuous observations of soft X-ray and ultraviolet light during its orbits. Just two hours after launch, the spacecraft successfully sent its first signal back to scientists and deployed its solar panels, enabling it to harness sunlight for power. This mission marks a significant step in enhancing our understanding of space weather and its impact on Earth.
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