Mission Operations
Following launch, RAL Space supports mission and science operations, enabling informed operational decisions and sustained scientific return. From carrying out science-driven operational planning to in-flight validation, our teams work closely with principal investigators and mission operation teams to ensure long-term value from space missions.
Why work with us?
Bringing together scientific understanding and operational expertise to support confident decision‑making and maximise scientific return.
With strong expertise across instrument development, calibration and data handling, RAL Space supports informed operational decision‑making after launch. By working closely with mission operators and programme teams, we support commissioning and routine operations helping sustain the scientific value of space missions throughout their operational lifetimes. We also operate ground‑based capabilities such as our Satellite Tracking Facility, that enhances space situational awareness in support of mission operations.
Post‑launch commissioning
We support post‑launch commissioning activities for space instruments and payloads, assisting with performance verification and transition into routine operations.
Operational data monitoring and analysis
We support operational data processing and monitoring activities to assess instrument health, performance and data quality throughout mission operations.
Satellite tracking and in-orbit testing
We provide satellite monitoring and in‑orbit testing, which supports mission awareness and commissioning activities and enhances space situational awareness.
Cluster II spacecraft flying in formation above the Earth. Credit: ESA
Case Study Highlight
Cluster's Joint Science Operations Centre
Throughout Cluster’s life in space, commands for the four satellites and their science instruments have been meticulously planned and prepared by an award-winning team based at RAL Space: The Joint Science Operations Centre (JSOC). This is one of only a few examples where this critical responsibility has been contracted to a group outside of ESA.
Week in, week out, JSOC has worked closely with Cluster’s science principal investigators and the spacecraft operations team at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Germany to generate the operation plan and translate it into the set of commands to be uplinked to the spacecraft.
Learn more about our mission operations capability
Interested in learning how we can partner with you to support mission operations? Get in touch.
