Spacecraft Operations

Our Spacecraft Operations Services

We advise corporate clients during mission definition and procurement to meet mission objectives and adhere to industry standards:

• Design of the space segment and ground segment architecture;

• Definition of functional and technical requirements;

• Assessment of technical and programmatic risks;

• Support during key design reviews.

Space Segment & Ground Segment Procurement (Phases 0, A, B)

We help prepare missions for safe launch and reliable operations:

• Development of tailored Concepts of Operations (ConOps);

• Procurement, testing, and validation of operational hardware/software;

• Drafting of operational policies, process, and procedures;

• Recruitment and training of operations teams;

• Support for Operational Readiness Reviews (ORR).

Operational Readiness (Phases C, D)

In-depth consultancy to improve processes, mitigate risks, and reduce the likelihood of in-orbit anomalies:

• Operational and financial risk audits;

• Contingency and scenario planning;

• Availability optimization for spacecraft and payload;

• Non-routine operations planning and scheduling;

• Change management: risk, rollback, and deconfliction planning;

• Anomaly investigation and lessons learned;

• Decommissioning planning, end-of-life orbit management, and passivation.

In-Orbit Support (Phases E, F)

Commercial Value for Clients

Clients of SAFE HEAVENS' Spacecraft Operations services can expect:

• Reduced operational and financial risk through structured audits and mitigation;

• Improved KPIs and service availability, meeting SLAs and investor expectations;

• Optimized resource allocation with streamlined processes and trained staff;

• Regulatory compliance and sustainability alignment across all mission phases;

• Lower costs and stronger ROI through efficient operations and minimized anomalies.

How We Work (Our Methodology)

Our methodology adapts to the specific mission phase and client’s needs and wants but typically includes:

1 - Discovery Phase

• Understanding the client’s business, customers, and value proposition;

• Discussing the client’s goals and objectives, together with current financial and operational constraints;

• Analysing the client’s Service Level Agreements and Key Performance Indicators.

2 - Operational Audit

• Familiarizing with the client ground segment and space segment architecture;

• Reviewing relevant operational policies, processes, and procedures;

• Running the client’s relevant operational software tools;

• Studying past operational events, including in-orbit anomalies;

• Interviewing relevant personnel.

3 - Executive Report

• Assessment of operational and financial risks with probability, impact, and severity estimates;

• Risk burndown plans;

• Anomalies report (if applicable);

• Recommended remedial and precautionary actions to address anomalies;

• Other recommendations to streamline processes, optimize operations, and improve service availability.

4 - Implementation Phase (if required)

• Program management of risk burndown plans;

• Development of revised operational process;

• Tailored recruitment, training, and upskilling of operational teams;

• Management and oversight of critical mission operations.

Contact us to discuss your needs and how we can help you build in-house expertise, improve service availability, and mitigate risks!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why procuring spacecraft operations consulting services?

Spacecraft operations expertise is in scarce supply: the pool of suitably experienced engineers and managers is small, so companies compete for talent. SAFE HEAVENS provides solutions to improve in-house spacecraft operations capability and expertise.

How does SAFE HEAVENS reduce operational risks?

By identifying risks through an operational audit, then designing and implementing an appropriate risk burndown schema, which may cover process improvement (e.g., Concept of Operations, anomaly review, change management, escalation, conjunction assessment) and personnel training and upskilling.

Can you work with in-house teams?

Yes. We build client-side expertise through process development, recruitment, training, and joint supervision.

What is the typical engagement model?

It depends on the mission phase. During procurement, we support preparation to mission milestone reviews. During the operational phase, it usually starts with and audit followed by recommendations on how to mitigate risks and improve KPIs.

How can spacecraft operations help my business?

SAFE HEAVENS follows a structured approach to designing and managing spacecraft operations to streamline processes, optimize resources, and reduce operational and financial risks. The immediate outcome is lower probability of in-orbit anomalies and faster recovery time. All this in turn translates into higher service availability.