While the spotlight is on the satellite, behind the scenes, the various Comms teams from ESA, EUMETSAT, CNES, and Airbus play a critical role in keeping everyone connected from engineers in cleanrooms to satellite control and management teams in Kourou and across Europe.
As part of the MetOp-SG-A1 campaign, ESA’s Earth Observation Programme EOP Comms is responsible for designing, configuring, managing, coordinating, and validating internet and network access for all mission stakeholders including instrument teams, industrial partners like Airbus and Leonardo, and agencies like EUMETSAT. These services support both business operations and satellite systems, including secure links back to Europe for health checks and configuration validation of MetOp-SG A1.
Because a launch campaign moves in phases, network connectivity must be extended or reconfigured to follow the satellite’s journey: from the cleanroom, to the fuelling cleanroom through to EFA (where the upper stage is integrated), and finally to the ZL4 launch pad.
In many cases, the distance between key locations such as the LBC control room, EFA, and the launch pad can range from 5 to 12 kilometres, requiring long-range, high-reliability links that remain stable.
Some of these network links are critical, as they support the EGSE (Electrical Ground Support Equipment) and the NDIU (Network Data Interface Unit). The EGSE controls and powers the satellite, while the NDIU sends real-time telemetry back to the main control centres in Fucino, Italy (Telespazio) and Darmstadt, Germany (EUMETSAT).
At the same time, the comms teams back in Europe ensure that all instrument teams along with the various engineers and scientists can remotely validate the health of all instruments, systems, sub-systems, and data antennas, confirming that everything is mission ready for MetOp-SG-A1’s journey into space.
To ensure safety and continuous operation, these links along with the EGSE hardware are relocated to secure areas called COTE Rooms or bunkers, where they are protected from environmental risks and operational interference. This setup ensures that both satellite control and ground support systems remain online and stable throughout every phase of the campaign, right up to launch.
For the Comms team, it’s not just about cables and signals. it’s about creating a reliable digital lifeline that supports every step of the mission.
About the Author – Shaf
I’m Shaf, working for Atlantis Solutions. I’ve had the chance and privilege to support a number of EOP launch campaigns over the years. Since last year, Atlantis Solutions has had a busy schedule assisting ESA’s Earth Observation Programme (EOP) with the launches of EarthCARE in Vandenberg, California; Sentinel-1C, Sentinel-2C, and Biomass from Kourou, French Guiana; MTG-S1 from Florida; and now MetOp-SG-A1.
Although I’m based in Noordwijk, I’ve spent a lot of time on the ground in different locations, including French Guiana, making sure the network keeps everyone connected when it matters most from cleanroom to countdown.
For me, it’s not just about the tech. It’s about helping the teams behind the mission stay focused, knowing the comms will just work. None of this would be possible without the amazing support from the Atlantis Solutions team, especially Davey Wils and Ricardo, who always bring their best no matter where the mission takes us.
Leave a Reply