ESA and CAS release first SMILE images, begin science operations
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The European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences released the first images from the SMILE mission and officially began science operations. The joint solar wind–magnetosphere mission reached its operational orbit and returned initial data from its four instruments.
Key Facts
- ESA and CAS released the first images from the SMILE mission on October 5, 2026.
- SMILE officially began science operations after reaching its operational orbit.
- The mission carries four instruments to study the solar wind–magnetosphere interaction.
First Images
The European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences released the first images from the SMILE mission. The images were captured after the spacecraft reached its operational orbit. SMILE carries four instruments designed to observe the solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere.
Science Operations
ESA and CAS confirmed that SMILE has officially begun science operations. The mission will study how the solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetic field. Initial data from all four instruments have been received by ground stations.
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