SMILE targets both the market for education and in-orbit demonstration and commercial, scientific and governmental missions. Our main role as part of the consortium was related to a market survey and business case for small launch vehicles and the development of a small microsatellite separation system. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program, aims to develop a cost-effective European launcher for small satellites up to 50 kg.

By the end of 2018, the project will produce a launcher design and prototypes of critical components. The SMILE consortium includes organizations such as NLR, DLR, Nammo, Terma, and ISISPACE – Innovative Solutions In Space, with objectives focused on increasing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of key technologies and developing prototypes for materials, structures, engines, and avionics.