Avio S.p.A | Vega-C | Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) Rocket Launch
Avio S.p.A is scheduled to launch a Vega-C rocket as part of the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission. The launch is scheduled on 04/08/2026 00:00 UTC for the Astrophysics mission launching from Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana. The status of the launch is Date/Time TBD. Don’t miss this exciting rocket launch! Watch the launch video of the Vega-C and experience the excitement for yourself.
Mission: Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE)
Joint mission between the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences to investigate the interaction between Earth’s protective shield – the magnetosphere – and the supersonic solar wind.
Rocket: Vega-C
Vega-C is a single-body rocket nearly 35 m high with that weighs 210 tonnes on the launch pad. As with Vega, its main elements are three solid-propellant stages, an upper stage powered by a reignitable liquid-propellant engine and a payload fairing. Vega-C’s P120C first stage replaces Vega’s smaller P80 to provide a significant increase in thrust at liftoff. It is also used as boosters (2 or 4) for the Ariane 6 rocket.
Agency: Avio S.p.A
Avio S.p.A. is an Italian company operating in the aerospace sector with its head office in Colleferro near Rome, Italy. Founded in 1908, it is present in Italy and abroad with different commercial offices and 10 production sites.
