Engineering:Launch and Early Orbit phase
.jpg)
In spacecraft operations, Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) is one of the most critical phases of a mission. Spacecraft operations engineers take control of the satellite after it separates from the launch vehicle. LEOP generally concludes once the satellite is safely positioned in its final orbit. During this period, operations staff work typically 24 hours a day to activate, monitor and control the various subsystems of the satellite, including the deployment of any satellite appendages (such as antennas, solar arrays, reflectors, and radiators), and undertake critical orbit and attitude control manoeuvres. Extra support staff are typically on hand and on-call during LEOP, relative to staffing during normal operations.[1][2][3][4][5]
For some spacecraft like the Intuitive Machines Nova-C lunar lander, initial commissioning is performed autonomously.[6]
See also
- Ground segment
- Satellite space segment
References
- ↑ "Launch and early orbit phase" (in en). https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Meteorological_missions/Meteosat/Launch_and_early_orbit_phase.
- ↑ "Biomass completes a relay race of a LEOP" (in en). https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/Biomass_completes_a_relay_race_of_a_LEOP.
- ↑ "Nonstop LEOP full stop" (in en). https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/Nonstop_LEOP_full_stop.
- ↑ "GRACE-FO Launch Press Kit | Launch Events and Mission Phases" (in en). https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/press_kits/grace-fo/mission/launch-events/.
- ↑ "EUSPA oversees the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) of Galileo Satellite Mission | EU Agency for the Space Programme" (in en). 2024-04-28. https://www.euspa.europa.eu/pressroom/press-releases/euspa-oversees-leop-galileo-satellite-mission.
- ↑ Sheetz, Michael (15 Feb 2024). "Moon company Intuitive Machines begins first mission after SpaceX launch". CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/15/intuitive-machines-first-moon-mission-begins-after-spacex-launch.html.
Links
 |  |
