Contact Us
VV29: Final steps before lift-off
The launch campaign for the VV29 mission is entering its final phase at Europe’s spaceport. Here’s a closer look at the latest operations.
With just a few days to go before the launch of the VV29 mission, scheduled for 19 May 2026, ground crews are making final preparations on the Vega-C launch facilities at Europe’s spaceport.
These new images capture several key stages of the campaign: encapsulation of the Smile satellite within the fairing, its transfer to the launch area, and the hoisting of the assembly to the top of the Vega-C launch vehicle.
Acting as a protective shield during the ascent through the Earth’s atmosphere, the fairing will protect the satellite until it separates in flight a few minutes after lift-off. The Smile mission will then continue its journey into space aboard the upper stages of the launch vehicle.
To find out how to watch the lift-off, click here.
Photo gallery of the final steps
On the same section
-
SMILE in Orbit: VV29 Lights Up the Guyanese Sky
18/05/2026VV29 mission in a nutshell
11/05/2026Ariane 6 successfully launches another 32 Amazon Leo satellites
30/04/2026The first Ariane 64 successfully launches 32 Amazon LEO satellites
13/02/2026VA267: Four-booster version of Ariane 6 taking shape
28/01/2026First Ariane 64 now being prepared at the CSG
13/01/2026
