Vega-C | Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE)

Operated by Avio S.p.A, the Astrophysics mission Vega-C | Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) delivered its payload into Elliptical.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
Avio S.p.A
Mission type
Astrophysics
Rocket
Vega-C
Launch site
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
Launch pad
Ariane Launch Area 1 (ELV)
Payload
—
Target orbit
Elliptical
Vega-C | Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 2026-05-19T03:52:10.000Z
    Liftoff
    Liftoff confirmed — Vega-C is airborne.
  2. Max-Q
    Max Q — Vega-C endures peak structural stress during ascent.
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    First-stage main engine cutoff (MECO) confirmed.
  4. Stage separation
    The spent first stage separates from the upper stage.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    Upper stage ignites, continuing the journey toward orbit.
  6. Orbit insertion
    The mission reaches Elliptical, successfully entering orbit.
  7. Mission success
    The mission concludes successfully.

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