Italian launch service provider Avio has delayed the launch of the European Space Agency's SMILE mission aboard the Vega C rocket after discovering a problem on the production line of a subsystem component.
Avio began preparations for the launch of SMILE in mid-February 2026 year from the transfer of the P120C first stage from the launch vehicle storage building to the ZLV launch pad. The transfer marked the beginning of Vega's first flight, managed by Avio itself, after that, how the company separated from flying, operated by Arianespace. Mission payload in early April, enclosed in the Vega C fairing, was successfully compiled, which was the last important event before the launch of the rocket 9 April.
For reference: Arianespace is a leading French and European aerospace company, founded in 1980 year as the world's first commercial operator of space launches. It manufactures and operates launch vehicles of the Ariane family (currently Ariane 6) ta Vega, providing satellites into orbit from the Kourou Cosmodrome in French Guiana.
However 5 In April, Avio announced that the flight had been delayed due to the discovery of a "technical problem" on the production line of a subsystem component after, as the rocket was already fully integrated. The company did not share details about the nature of the subsystem component. As of today, it is known, that the supplier is conducting further investigations, to ensure there is no technical problem aboard the fully integrated Vega C rocket, which is being prepared for launch in French Guiana. A new launch date will not be announced until these investigations are completed, to "protect the airworthiness" of the Vega C launch system.
Source: https://europeanspaceflight.com