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)

Business Outcome 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 approach is tailored to the mission phase and your business objectives. We provide light-touch second opinions, embedded co-management, or full managed-services engagements. In all cases our focus is on measurable commercial outcomes: reduced operational risk, improved availability, and optimised expenditures.

Two sample Use Cases are provided below for reference.

Sample Use Case 1: Operational Audit

This service is designed for clients already performing routine operation on a satellite fleet and providing satellite services to downstream customers. The objective is to audit the client's operations and suggest actions aimed at improving service availability, reducing risks, and optimizing OPEX and resources.

In this use case, the typical engagement phases are:

1 - Discovery Phase

We focus on understanding the client’s business, its customers, and its value proposition. We then discuss the client’s goals and objectives, taking note of any existing financial and operational constraints. Finally, we analyse the client’s Service Level Agreements and Key Performance Indicators to evaluate current performances.

2 - Operational Audit

We familiarize with the client's ground segment and space segment architecture, then review relevant operational policies, processes, and procedures. We run the client’s operational software tools, study past operational events (including in-orbit anomalies) and conduct interviews with relevant personnel at operational, managerial, and executive level.

3 - Executive Report

This is our main output, which includes observations and recommendations. It includes an assessment of operational and financial risks with estimates of probability, impact, and severity, accompanied by risk burndown plans. Where applicable, an anomalies report is prepared, along with recommended remedial and precautionary actions to address any identified issues. Additional recommendations are provided to streamline processes, optimize operations, and enhance service availability.

4 - Implementation

In this optional phase, we assist the client in implementing the recommendations presented in the Executive Report. The scope of work includes program management of risk burndown plans and the development of revised operational processes. It also covers tailored recruitment, training, and upskilling of operational teams, as well as the management and oversight of critical mission operations.

This engagement is for organisations facing temporary, high-intensity operations (for example LEOP, relocation, decommissioning, or RPO/ISAM campaigns) that do not justify permanent hires but require experienced execution and risk containment.

In this use case, the typical engagement phases are:

Sample Use Case 2: Peak of Operational Workload

1 - Mission Design

2 - Operations Scheduling

3 - Execution

4 - Debrief and Lessons Learnt

In this early phase we familiarize with the objective of the operations to be performed, define the concept of operations, and procure the ground segment infrastructure needed to support the operations.

We also assist the client in seeking regulatory approval to perform the operation and establish robust risk mitigation frameworks for the most likely contingency scenarios.

Here we fix the timing of the operation, deconflict it from other scheduled activities (e.g. maintenance), and allocate resources. When needed, we coordinate with third parties to mitigate the risk of close approach and adjacent satellite interference, arrange support from service providers, and perform training exercises to mitigate in-orbit risks.

We supervise operational activity, monitor performances and execution against the agreed mission plan, and recommend response to unforeseen events as conjunction with debris or heightened space weather activity.

We also support the investigation and recovery of any in-orbit anomaly occurring during the operations.

All operations are learning opportunities, so in this optional last phase it’s worth looking back at what worked and what could have been done better.

We assess performances, double-check operational processes, and review relevant documentation – then we recommend tweaks aimed at improving KPIs and mitigate in-orbit risks.

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.