Launch - from the European space flight site at Kourou in French Guiana. The first two items are carried out under the authority of the European Space Agency . In order to maintain satisfactory performance throughout the duration of a mission, routine operations are also required on a regular basis.
Spin rate is adjusted after orbital manoeuvres if required.
Gain changes are made as required. The radiometer is decontaminated, usually just once early in the satellite's lifetime. The back-up system is checked once a week. Twice a year there is interference when the sun lies in the line of sight to the satellite, necessitating increased power for some transmissions and resynchronisation of the Electronically Despun Antenna. Each battery is typically reconditioned and charged at the time of the twice-yearly eclipse periods .