Satellites are designed to perform specific functions in space, in telecommunications, meteorology, observation of the Earth, microgravity, solar system science or space astronomy. It is the responsibility of ESA's European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, to ensure that the objectives of each of the different missions are attained. This 2001 brochure describes the process of preparation and execution of satellite mission operations as exercised at ESOC, to provide insight into how such things are done.
