The station receives radar images directly from the satellite and is connected to the operational centre for real-time processing of satellite images. This centre is staffed by experienced analysts who can be called on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The station's acquisition system includes an X-Band receiver antenna protected by a radome.

VIGISAT is a multi-mission station. It can acquire, process, analyse and interpret images from:

• the European ERS-2 & ENVISAT satellites
• the Canadian RADARSAT-1 & RADARSAT-2 satellites

VIGISAT is highly adaptable. It will be able to accept new missions as needed, such as high-resolution radar (Sentinel 1) and optical satellite images.