Smile mission ready to begin science operations

The Smile mission has been declared ready to start science operations after a busy in-space commissioning period. The spacecraft is in the target orbit for science operations.

During the busy in-space commissioning period, teams deployed mechanisms, powered on units, checked communications and fixed issues while getting Smile ready.

Smile carries four science instruments and is in the target orbit for science operations.

UVI released first footage dated 2026-07-24. It is described as the first camera since 2008 to record the complete northern-lights ring in ultraviolet light, with a listed duration of 45 hours at a time.

SXI was successfully switched on and took first images. It is a key European contribution, and the camera is reported to be working very well and as expected.

When aimed toward Earth, SXI registers too much unwanted stray light. Settings and software updates are being changed and implemented onboard, and the unwanted light is reducing naturally.

ESA, a consortium and a Chinese team are working together on SXI, whose versatile design is adjustable remotely.

Smile's launch site is recorded as Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

For readers tracking the lunar industry, the mission shows international cooperation, with ESA, a consortium and a Chinese team working together.

The onboard adjustments to SXI show how teams can change settings and software while a spacecraft is in its target orbit, which is relevant to lunar-industry readers.

Science operations are approved to begin.