One of the favorite phrases of space engineers after the launch of a satellite or interplanetary probe is: “We have a spacecraft.” It means that everything is working “nominally” and that operations can begin. In technical terms, this is known as LEOP (Launch and Early Orbit Phase), arguably the most delicate period in a satellite’s life.
The eighth episode of Space Panorama tells the story of how Telespazio brings satellites safely to their operational orbit, from the control room of the Fucino Space Centre.
“The LEOP is the first operational phase of a satellite’s life in orbit. It begins with the separation of the satellite from the launcher and ends when it reaches its nominal orbit, with all systems configured to start providing service,” explains Ernesto Cerone, Head of Satellite Operations at Telespazio. “From the control centre, we carry out this type of operation, which typically lasts a couple of weeks.”
At first, the focus is on checking the health of the satellite, to make sure everything is functioning properly: “Attitude control, which allows the satellite to orient itself toward Earth and enable signal transmission,” continues Cerone, “thermal control, the electrical subsystem that powers all onboard units, and data handling, which includes the onboard computer and flight software.”
Engines and Energy
The operations team then begins issuing commands. One of the most critical moments is the deployment of the solar panels, which allow the satellite to become autonomous in energy production. If a panel fails to open, there isn’t enough power on board to operate the payload.
There are still no cost-effective technologies for in-orbit servicing, meaning repairing satellites once deployed is not yet viable. Just like a car without a battery, a satellite without energy becomes useless. Similarly, its propulsion system must work flawlessly to maneuver, reach the correct orbit, maintain it throughout its operational life, and “dodge” debris or avoid potential collisions.
To receive data from the satellite and send commands, large antennas are used, like those at the Fucino Space Centre near Avezzano: “They are essentially the interface between the ground segment and the satellite,” says Ambra Flammini, Flight Dynamics System and Operations Engineer at Telespazio. “Based on our knowledge of the satellite’s orbit, we calculate the sequence of maneuvers that will bring it to its final operational orbit, defined by the satellite’s owner, so that it can begin its routine service.”
Reaching Higher
There are many types of orbits, but one of the most important is the geostationary orbit. It is very distant, about 36,000 kilometers above Earth but a satellite positioned there has a vast field of view and appears fixed in the sky from the ground. Reaching it, however, requires a long journey:
“A particularly critical part of the LEOP is the first acquisition of signal in orbit,” adds Flammini. “We all rejoice when it arrives, because it confirms that the satellite is in good condition after launch.”
From the control room and through the antennas at Fucino, Telespazio has managed LEOP operations for several major missions, including the deployment of the COSMO-SkyMed constellation and EUMETSAT’s Meteosat Third Generation satellites. But not everything always goes smoothly at launch:
“The Artemis satellite (launched by ESA in 2001) was released into a completely wrong orbit by the launcher,” recalls Cerone. “The operations team led by Telespazio had to modify the onboard flight software. The LEOP, which should have lasted two weeks, ended up lasting a year and a half — but the mission was saved. The satellite went on to provide 15 years of service thanks to these efforts.”
It’s a job that makes Telespazio’s engineers true “guardian angels” of vital missions — crucial for their investments, the services they deliver, and the science they enable. “What we experience during LEOP is a mix of responsibility, adrenaline, and pride,” concludes Cerone. “We’re aware that we’re releasing an object into space that will remain there for years, carrying with it a piece of our dedication.”