Smile spacecraft enters science orbit after 12 engine burns (esa.int)

• Smile reached its science orbit on 20 June 2026 after 12 engine burns.
• Orbit: 120,920 km over North Pole, 5,027 km over South Pole (highly elliptical).
• Extra propellant (164 kg) due to better-than-expected engine performance, extending mission life.
• Commissioning in Beijing until August 2026; science begins September 2026.

"The European-Chinese Smile mission reached its final science orbit on 20 June 2026. The spacecraft fired its main engine 12 times to adjust its orbit, resulting in a highly elliptical path ranging from 5,027 km over the South Pole to 120,920 km over the North Pole. The orbit allows continuous observation of Earth's magnetosphere and auroras. The spacecraft is in excellent condition with extra propellant remaining. Commissioning of science instruments will run until end of August 2026, with science operations beginning in September."