ESA · Space

ESA Prepares for Unique Dual-Satellite Launch

On September 15, ESA will launch FLEX and Sentinel-3C together. Two independent mission teams are rehearsing parallel operations and coordination for this unprecedented event.

At ESA's mission control, two teams are preparing to operate FLEX and Sentinel-3C, launching together on September 15. They are rehearsing side-by-side for parallel operations and intersecting activities.

Preparing two missions simultaneously presents a challenge, especially as the satellites will operate in closely related orbits. This requires significant coordination.

The main difficulty lies in managing two separate teams operating in parallel, rather than the launch itself. This is a new approach for ESA.

The launch campaign involves a "team of teams" structure. For these missions, two complete teams operate independently but their work intersects, necessitating joint simulations.

Joint exercises focus on scenarios affecting both missions simultaneously, such as shared resource competition or unexpected events impacting both spacecraft.

Simulations rehearse routine and contingency scenarios, testing technical procedures and team coordination under pressure. This includes anomalies and failures.

The dual-mission exercise aims to foster collaboration and shared problem-solving between the two independent teams, enhancing readiness for launch and early operations.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.