Who does what at ESA Mission Control?

The Spacecraft Operations Engineers are the technical specialists for the various parts of spacecraft, they know every detail of how these parts work and how they fit with the rest of the spacecraft.

The Spacecraft Controllers are the ‘drivers’ who actually control the spacecraft using procedures written by the engineers and the database produced by the spacecraft analysts. There is always a Spacecraft Controller on duty whenever the spacecraft is in use.

The Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM) is responsible for the definition, implementation and execution of all mission operations activities. His/her responsibilities encompass the requirements definition for operational facilities and software, operations preparation, generation and validation of Flight Operation Plans, databases and procedures, execution of spacecraft operations, on-board software maintenance and in-orbit mission evaluations. (S)he is responsible for the flight operations in orbit and associated team, procedures and databases. (S)he takes over responsibility for mission operations which is the process involving operations planning, satellite monitoring and control, in-orbit navigation, and data processing and distribution, by which the satellite mission objectives are achieved, be they the collection or meteorological or scientific data or the provision of a telecommunication service.

The Ground Operations Engineer is responsible for planning, execution, coordination and reporting of the test to be performed with the relevant ground station. Since it is vital to be able to communicate with the satellite at all times, they are also responsible for the follow up of the problems until their closure.

The Ground Operations Manager is responsible for the reviewing Spacecraft Pass Reports for anomalies and ensuring that all that have an impact on the mission have been reported. (S)he is also responsible for the ground facilities operation during critical operations, for the ensuring operational readiness of the TT&C stations, of the operations communications networks, of the associated procedures and operations team. (S)he is also in charge of maintaining the above products and their related mission configuration in a working and up-to-date state until start of the corresponding mission operations phases. This includes final configuration prior to launch.

The Flight Operations Director is responsible for direction, coordination and conduct of the mission critical operations. (S)he manages the Flight Control Team who is made up principally of specialists in satellite operations and in flight dynamics (Spacecraft Operations Manager, the Ground Operations Manager and the Flight Dynamics Coordinator) who perform their tasks with the aid of workstation facilities in the Main Control Room (MCR) of the Control Centre, providing round-the-clock support for the duration of the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP).

The Project Representative works with the Flight Operations Director. (S)he represents the owner of the satellite.

Communications Facilities Support provides the support required to keep all wide and local area network facilities and the network access security systems fully functional.

Data Systems Maintenance supports a problem solving mechanisms or processes to ensure availability of the mission control systems.

Engineering Support is provided by helpdesk facilities for computer and data systems, control rooms and network communications and ground stations. These helpdesks are composed of teams of Engineers, which are available 24 h, 7 days a week during critical ESOC operations phases. The management of these helpdesks is performed by Technical Officers managing the services contract.

The Flight Dynamics Coordinator is responsible for the mission operations and satellite navigation. This being the determination, prediction and control of the satellite's orbit or trajectory in space and the determination and control of its orientation in space. (S)he manages the Flight Dynamics specialists team which involve the use of dedicated Flight Dynamics systems. (S)he is also in charge of maintaining the above products and their related mission configuration in a working and up-to-date state until start of the corresponding mission operations phase(s) - including final configuration and operational validation prior to critical operations and for the subsequent implementation of the Flight Dynamics operations.

The Ground Segment Manager is responsible for putting all the facilities and qualified staff together to be able to carry out the mission according to a plan defined with the project team. (S)he has a managerial function ranging from full financial responsibility to programmatic aspects of the mission.

The Mission Analyst is responsible for the term used to describe the mathematical analysis of satellite orbits, performed to determine how best to achieve the mission objectives in terms of achievable orbit, launch vehicle, manoeuvre strategies, ground station utilisation, operational complexity and lifetime.

Modern spacecraft have one or more computers on board which are used to control most of the spacecraft functions. These computers all have software in them and the On-Board Engineer is responsible for understanding and correcting (if necessary) this software.

The Project Manager is responsible for operations and maintenance of the infrastructure elements concerned. (S)he has full authority and responsibility for the implementation and completion of the project in accordance with the business agreement. As such, (s)he is the authority for project expenditure and is responsible for all aspects of the project execution in accordance with the business agreement.

The Spacecraft Operations Analysts are responsible for the database which contains the descriptions of all the data sent by the spacecraft to the ground and from the ground to the spacecraft (Telemetry and Telecommand).