ESA–CAS SMILE mission launched aboard Vega‑C (space weather satellite)

What: ESA and Chinese Academy of Sciences joint SMILE mission launched on Vega‑C from Kourou to study solar wind–magnetosphere interactions; 707 km initial orbit, 3‑year mission to improve space weather forecasting.

Significance:

• Space weather science: First panoramic imaging of magnetosphere improves forecasts to protect satellites, power grids and communications.

• International cooperation: ESA‑CAS scientific collaboration in space science.

UPSC relevance: Space policy, international scientific cooperation, infrastructure protection.

Practice Q: Why is space weather forecasting important for national infrastructure and satellite operations?