Space in French Guiana: A joint European-Chinese mission, SMILE (Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer), is set to launch Tuesday from the ESA spaceport in Kourou on a Vega-C rocket, aiming to make the first X-ray observations of Earth’s magnetic field as extreme solar storms slam into it. The van-sized spacecraft will study how solar wind and plasma explosions affect the planet’s shield, with scientists noting the mission’s value for protecting satellites and astronauts and for understanding auroras. Human Spaceflight Push: In Berlin, ESA leadership said it’s investigating whether Ariane 6 could be adapted to carry astronauts to orbit, with a final decision still pending but prospects described as “pretty high,” as Europe ramps up plans for a France-hosted space summit and inter-ministerial talks on human exploration. Firefighting Tech Watch: A separate report highlights Canada’s “electric eye” approach using satellites and AI to spot lightning-linked hotspots early and rapidly coordinate drone water-bombers—an idea that could shape future emergency response systems.