SMILE satellite ready for launch

In February 2026 – and earlier in December 2024 – we carried out a remarkable logistics project: the transport of the SMILE satellite. From its arrival at Schiphol Airport to its shipment to French Guiana, this project brought together precision, safety and international coordination.

What is the SMILE mission?

SMILE (Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) is a joint mission of the European space agency European Space Agency (ESA) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The satellite will study how Earth’s magnetic field responds to the solar wind – the stream of charged particles continuously emitted by the Sun. This magnetic field protects the Earth from that solar wind.

Using X-ray and ultraviolet cameras, SMILE will, for the first time, provide a global view of how this interaction works. This will deliver new insights into space weather, such as solar storms and their impact on satellites, communication systems and power grids on Earth.
ESA produced part of the satellite in Madrid, while the other part was built in China by CAS.

December 2024: arrival in the Netherlands

In December 2024, Saan collected the Chinese-built part of the SMILE satellite upon arrival at Schiphol Airport. Under strictly controlled conditions, we transported the satellite component to ESTEC (ESA’s technical centre in Noordwijk). Here, the next phase began: assembly and extensive testing to prepare the satellite for space.
Watch the video here:

Integration and testing at ESTEC

At ESTEC, the satellite components were integrated and subjected to an intensive testing programme. These tests are essential to ensure the satellite can withstand the extreme conditions of launch and operation in space.

February 2026: transport to the port

On 11 February 2026, Saan carried out another key transport: the fully assembled SMILE satellite was collected from ESTEC.
From there, we transported the valuable spacecraft to the Port of Amsterdam, where it was loaded onto a vessel bound for the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
The satellite is scheduled for launch between 8 April and 7 May 2026 on a Vega-C rocket by Avio S.p.A., our client for this transport.
Watch the video here:

Precision all the way to space

Transporting a satellite requires absolute precision. Vibrations, temperature variations and even the smallest movements can have major consequences.
For this project, that meant:

• specialised transport equipment and shock absorption
• strict climate control
• detailed planning and international coordination
• continuous monitoring during every phase

Working together on space exploration

With the successful transport of SMILE, Saan contributes to a mission that expands our understanding of the Earth and the Sun – something we are proud of.
From Schiphol to Kourou, this project shows how logistics and space exploration come together, and how essential reliable transport partners are in high-tech international projects.

Video credits arrival at Schiphol: ©ESA / Lightcurve Films / The Postboat Dronedepartment
Ground camera and video production by Lightcurve Films. Drone camera by The PostBoat Dronedepartment. Music: ‘China Japan Korea Dubstep’ by Nuclearmetal.
Video credits transport Noordwijk – Amsterdam: ©ESA / Lightcurve Films
Ground camera and video production by Lightcurve Films. Drone camera by The PostBoat Dronedepartment. Music: ‘Intense Rock Trailer’ by OctoSound. Open ocean footage by Benjamin Vanoutryve (ESA).
Photos: Thomas Dijkstra, Steven Vleeshouwers, Eef Spaan (Saan)