Operations Engineering

As space missions are now more complex, VEGA's Operations Engineering capability is focussed on the long-term provision and management of operations engineering teams, at scientific, commercial and military satellite operators.

VEGA's international team of more than 100 operations engineers - who are skilled in all aspects of platform engineering, geostationary, low earth orbit and interplanetary operations and scientific and telecommunication payloads - provides us with the flexibility and experience to engage with the widest range of customers, including National and Military programmes.

Since 1978, VEGA has had a large team of operations engineers at the European Satellite Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. This has involved preparing and flying satellites, providing long-term operations engineering teams to the European Space Agency (ESA), and additional peak support to commercial satcom operators, in particular for the introduction of new satellite series or periods of intensive launch activity. (Click here for more information about VEGA's work with ESOC.)

Our operations engineering services extend to other key Ground Segment components; such as the areas of Flight Dynamics and Navigation, where a service may cover the provision of experienced staff to the development of Next Generation operational support software. Additionally, VEGA services are:

Satellite operations preparation and validation
Satellite operations execution and support
Ground segment operations and logistics
Commercial, military and civil government operations
Real-time operations simulators

Additionally, VEGA provides long-term operations engineering teams to other operators including Eumetsat, the UK Ministry of Defence, and the German Space Agency (DLR).

We also deliver peak support to commercial satcom operators, in particular for the introduction of new satellite series or periods of intensive launch activity.

VEGA's current operations engineering activities

Supporting the European Manned Space activities on ATV, Columbus and ISS, in the areas of systems engineering, operations engineering, integration & test, project management and training.
Delivering services for the design and implementation of Data Communication, Security and Network Solutions, which support mission critical, operational networks.
Supporting Phase A design studies for ESA.
Providing Simulations Officers to ESOC, ensuring that Flight Control Teams are fully prepared for the Launch and Early Orbit Phases of a mission.
Delivering services ensuring that the Ground Stations and the Ground Station Network support personnel are fully capable of meeting the support requirements from ESA satellites, during both nominal and critical mission phases.
Supporting the pre-operational and operational phases of all ESA missions, in the area of Earth Observation, Science and Deep Space; providing unparalleled operational engineering experience in Data Management Systems, AOC Systems, On-Board Software, Power, Thermal, Synthetic Aperture Radar; demonstrating an ability to adapt to changing mission profiles.

More information about VEGA's work with the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESOC)