Space Launch from Kourou: Europe and China just sent the SMILE mission into orbit from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, aiming to map how solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field interact—key for protecting satellites, radio links, navigation, and power systems. Orbit Details: The spacecraft separated about 55 minutes after liftoff and is now headed for a highly elliptical path, including long looks toward the northern lights and data downlinks via Antarctica. Defense Funding Pressure: In parallel, NATO leaders (including Sweden’s Kristersson and Rutte) renewed calls for more countries to pay up for Ukraine’s defense, saying support is uneven across the alliance. Travel & Lifestyle Notes: A separate travel piece highlights safer South American destinations for summer, while a human-interest story follows a volunteer’s “shadow journey” to raise awareness about soil degradation—plus a Paris pilgrimage spotlight and a young all-girl sailing adventure.