Finally, at the end of June, Smile was put into the Large Space Simulator – Europe’s largest vacuum chamber. This massive machine does what it says on the tin, recreating the strange vacuum and tough temperatures of outer space. It even includes a Sun simulation to imitate how Smile will feel super-hot on its Sun-facing side, and super-cold on its shaded side.

It’s the final, and possibly most complicated, part of the spacecraft environment testing phase. In early July, Smile Project Manager David Agnolon confirmed its success.

“Running 24/7, the thermal test has been very intense but highly satisfying. It was completed smoothly, in record time and yielded very good results. This outcome is largely thanks to the impressively good preparation and excellent execution of the team,” says David.

“We can now say that Smile is 100% ready for space and ready to deliver its scientific data to better understand our planet’s magnetic shield and how it responds to the solar wind. This is testament to years of hard work from industry across Europe and China.”