A joint European and Chinese spacecraft is set to launch Tuesday to examine what happens when powerful solar storms strike Earth’s magnetic field. The mission, known as SMILE, will make the first X-ray observations of the planet’s magnetosphere during these events.
Scientists hope the spacecraft will improve understanding of space weather, which can affect satellites, astronauts and communication systems on Earth. According to the European Space Agency, the mission will lift off aboard a Vega-C rocket from Kourou, French Guiana.
The spacecraft’s full name is Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer. Developed jointly by the ESA and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the mission focuses on the interaction between solar particles and Earth’s protective magnetic shield.
Solar Storms Could Strike Within Days
The sun continuously releases a flow of charged particles called the solar wind. At times, massive plasma eruptions known as coronal mass ejections intensify this flow and send particles racing through space atroughly two million kilometers per hour.
ESA scientist Philippe Escoubet explained that the objective is to study “the relationship between Earth and the sun.” The launch had initially been planned for April 9 before being delayed because of a technical issue.
These eruptions can take one or two days to reach Earth. Once they arrive, Earth’s magnetic field deflects most of the incoming particles. Stronger events still allow part of that radiation to enter the upper atmosphere.
Computer-generated image of Earth’s magnetic field in X-rays. Credit: T. Sun, NSSC/CAS, China
Based on the source material, intense geomagnetic storms can disrupt power grids and communication networks. They also create auroras visible in northern and southern regions. During the 1859 geomagnetic storm, often cited as the strongest on record, auroras were reportedly observed as far south as Panama, while telegraph operators experienced electric shocks.
Modern infrastructure has made the issue more sensitive. Satellites orbiting Earth and astronauts aboard space stations are now exposed to the effects of severe solar activity.
Spacecraft Will Scan the Magnetosphere in X-Rays
SMILE’s primary mission is to detect X-rays produced when charged particles from the sun interact with neutral particles in Earth’s upper atmosphere. As ESA explained in a statement:
“SMILE will be the first mission to observe Earth’s magnetosphere in X-ray light, revealing exactly when, where and how the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic environment.”
The spacecraft will observe several regions linked to Earth’s magnetic shield, including the magnetopause, where solar particles encounter the planet’s magnetic field. As Dimitra Koutroumpa of France’s CNRS institute, stated the mission will also observe areas above the poles where X-ray photons become visible.
SMILE spacecraft concept image released ahead of launch. Credit: ESA
To carry out these observations, the spacecraft is equipped with four scientific instruments. The payload includes a UK-built X-ray imager, along with a UV imager, an ion analyzer and a magnetometer produced by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
As reported by Phys.org, the spacecraft is expected to begin collecting scientific data about one hour after entering orbit.
New Orbit Design Supports Longer Observations
After launch, SMILE will initially orbit around 700 kilometers above Earth before moving into a highly elliptical trajectory. The spacecraft will fly about 5,000 kilometers above the South Pole, where it will send data to the Bernardo O’Higgins research station in Antarctica. During its northern pass, SMILE will travel as far as 121,000 kilometers above Earth.
This orbit will allow the spacecraft to maintain long observation periods over the northern polar region. As the European Space Agency explained, the mission will be able to observe the northern lights continuously for up to 45 hours at a time.
The mission is planned to last three years, though ESA indicated that operations could continue longer if the spacecraft remains in good condition.