Satellite missions
The groups within the mission operations of satellites share tasks spanning from project management in the preparation phase including definition, configuration and implementation of the ground operations system, the design and implementation of the flight operations concept, the design of procedures including their testing and validation through simulations. During a mission the launch and early orbit phase (LEOP), the commissioning phase and the routine operations phase are being managed.
In addition, immediate reactions upon anomalies or emergencies is required, so that staffing a 24/7 on-call scheme is usual for these groups. The above-mentioned tasks are being defined based on the customer requirements. To make use of the highly specific knowledge of the personnel, each Flight Director is actively involved in developing new scientific projects, like the commissioning and testing of a new antenna onboard a satellite.
ESA
Communications Satellites and Technology Development
This group manages unmanned space missions with mission objectives in communication and security-relevant areas.
Earth Observation and Science
This team leads the mostly project-based services for unmanned space missions with mainly scientific objectives (with e.g. optical, radar-based or hyperspectral instruments) or technology demonstration purposes.