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| | | | | | | | | Main Control Room at ESOC | |
Mission control
Spaceflights begin in the computers of the European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany, which visualize the best orbits, whether for low-flying Earth observation satellites or a clever route to the planet Mercury. Ground links are organized via worldwide tracking stations. By the time a spacecraft is launched, well-rehearsed teams of engineers are ready to take control of it, often executing complex manoeuvres and sometimes coping with crises. ESOC was founded in 1967 and has operated 59 spacecraft, including 19 non-ESA missions. The total number of missions supported (including network support and flight dynamics expertise) numbered 108 in 2001.
Last update: 6 November 2007 | |
| | Related links ESOC - European Space Operations CentreESTRACK ground stations
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