europeanspaceagency posted a photo:
A view of the Vega launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, with the Vega-C rocket that will carry Smile to space.
Smile is due to launch on 19 May 2026. Preparations are taking place on the launch pad, with the rocket built up stage-by-stage inside a mobile building. About four hours before launch, the building will roll away to reveal the complete rocket inside.
Vega-C is made up of four stages, with the fairing (a nose cone that splits into two) sitting on top of the fourth stage. The fairing will protect Smile during its ascent to space through Earth’s atmosphere. Almost five minutes after liftoff, the fairing will split open, revealing Smile inside. At that point, Smile will still be attached to the third and fourth stages of the Vega-C.
Find out more about Smile’s journey from launch to orbit
Find out more about the Vega launch site
Smile (the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) is a joint mission between the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The Vega-C programme is led by ESA, working with Avio as prime contractor and design authority. It ensures that Europe has versatile and independent access to space.
[Image description: A photo showing a rocket launch pad at night. At the centre of the image is a tall rectangular cream-coloured building, with a thin white rocket inside. Platforms at various heights give people access to different parts of the rocket. The building is surrounded by metal pylons.]
Credits: ESA-M. Pédoussaut




