The project aims to research Earth's magnetosphere response to a stream of charged particles from the sun. This phenomenon is also known as the solar wind. Measurement will follow a unique method using an array of small wide-UV and X-ray telescopes. SMILE stands for Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer. It is smaller 300 kg spacecraft with a payload of 60 kg. Launch into space is planned in 2021.
In the course of Czech Republic's current membership in the European Space Agency (ESA), this is the first case where the authorities of the Space Agency chose a scientific project proposal with Czech participation at the highest level, ie membership in a major consortium, for the definite implementation of an ESA satellite. The project counts with significant participation of students and postgraduate students of CTU and aerospace industries.
The topic was also brought forward by the scienceworld.cz magazine.
Foto: Zdroj NASA