WATCH: A Spacecraft Is Launching to Study How Earth Survives Solar Storms

ESA and the Chinese Academy of Sciences are set to launch the SMILE spacecraft on a Vega-C rocket from Kourou, French Guiana, after a delay.

SMILE will enter an elliptical orbit to observe X-rays created when solar particles interact with Earth’s upper atmosphere and magnetic field.

The mission will study how Earth’s magnetic shield responds to solar storms, including coronal mass ejections and solar wind.

Its findings could improve space-weather forecasts and help protect satellites, power grids, communications, and astronauts.