SMILE Satellite: ESA and CAS Launch Space Weather Mission
Why in the news
A joint European-Chinese spacecraft has gone into space to improve understanding of space weather, which can disturb satellites and communication systems.
Key facts
- Agencies: ESA and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
- Spacecraft: SMILE satellite.
- Launcher: Vega-C rocket.
- Launch site: French Guiana.
- Science goal: solar wind and Earth’s magnetosphere interactions.
Exam angle
- Partners: ESA and CAS.
- Purpose: forecasting solar and geomagnetic storms that affect satellites and communications.
- Rocket and site: Vega-C, French Guiana.