Photos: courtesy of Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences

　　Amid the cooperation, the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of CAS serves as the lead institution for the satellite system, responsible for system design, platform development, and full satellite testing. The satellite"s payload module is led by ESA, with the Soft X-ray Imager developed by the University of Leicester in the UK with participation from China"s National Space Science Center (NSSC); the Ultraviolet Imager (UVI) is developed by NSSC with ESA"s involvement; and the Magnetometer and Low-Energy Ion Analyzer are fully developed by NSSC.

　　Zhang Yonghe, a deputy director of the academy, told the Global Times that "in the early Sino-French astronomy satellite projects, China cooperated with Europe to learn from French satellite platforms. By the time of the SMILE satellite project, however, China had taken the lead in satellite platform development, while payload responsibilities were shared between China and Europe."

　　China and Europe have previously achieved fruitful collaboration in space science through projects such as the Dark Matter Particle Explorer, TianGuan satellites, and Sino-French astronomy satellites.

　　During the SMILE project"s implementation, China also proactively helped resolve unexpected challenges, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility, according to the deputy director.